African education pioneer receives honorary degree

A pioneer in the expansion of education across East Africa has received an honorary degree from the University of Reading.

David Masua, the Chief Executive Officer of Windle Trust International, a UK charity working in the East and Horn of Africa dedicated to expanding access to and improving the quality of education, received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in a ceremony on Thursday 18 July.

Masua has worked for the Trust for more than 20 years. He is a passionate education advocate, who believes that good quality education has the potential to transform lives, eradicate poverty and reduce social inequalities. He believes no one should be denied access to education, regardless of their circumstances.

Masua’s own experience of living in refugee camps in the Congo and Uganda for several years taught him that education for children in those circumstances wasn’t taken seriously.

Masua was able to pursue an education and is now able to advocate for its importance globally. Across Uganda, Sudan and South Sudan, he has been influential in expanding access to education for refugees, the displaced, girls and young women and improving teacher training and professional development. He has also developed innovative ways of expanding access to secondary education.

Dr Sarah Cardey, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading, said: “Education can help young people in disadvantaged circumstances move from surviving to thriving. It can help them regain hope for what the future holds for them.

“David Masua clearly understands this and has done a huge amount to improve access to education across East Africa. He understands that it is education that prepares future leaders for their countries, reduces violence and poverty, and enables critical thinking to making informed choices. In the context of a world struggling with deep challenges, change makers like David Masua are invaluable in challenging inequality, creating opportunity, and showing us that positive change is possible.”

Masua holds an MSc in Education and Training for Development from the University of Reading, an MA in Educational Research from the University of Durham, and an MBA from the University of Nottingham.