Making a social impact from Addis Ababa to op-ed articles
Speakers at Rhodes House in the second half of Trinity Term have showcased different ways for Scholars to make an impact - from overcoming obstetric fistula in an Addis Ababa hospital to writing influential op-ed pieces for newspapers.
Events in recent weeks - following an equally enriching programme of events in the first half of term - have included:
- a discussion on ‘The role of the Constitutional Court in South Africa’s democracy’, led by Justice Kate O’Regan, former Chair of the Rhodes Scholarship selection committee for South Africa-at-Large, who was appointed by Nelson Mandela to the Constitutional Court of South Africa where she served from 1994 to 2009,
- a practical seminar on writing an op-ed piece (or leader) and other skills for engaging in public debate, with Naomi Wolf (Connecticut & New College 1985), author and social commentator
- a lecture by Professor Robert Rotberg (New Jersey & University 1957), professor for many years at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and biographer of Cecil Rhodes, on emotional intelligence and other elements of Cecil Rhodes's leadership skills
- a talk by Professor Gordon Williams of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital on work there to overcome the tragedy of obstetric fistula
- a discussion with Dr Bernard Fanaroff, a South African physicist and Project Director of the South African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Telescope Project, on ‘Africa as a Home of World-Class Research’, which focused on how investment in science can contribute to the emergence of Africa, and the opportunities for world-class researchers to make an impact,
- and an evening of talk and music illuminating the tragic and the heroic experiences of Indigenous Australians, with Australian Indigenous performers Mark and Tania Bin Bakar.
In June, the Rhodes Social Impact Group was launched by current Scholars, with Scholars identifying the skills needed for social impact work and beginning to organise community service activities for Nelson Mandela Day (18 July).
The ‘Rhodes Got Talent’ mock-pageant supported a girls' school in Pakistan, and the annual Rhodes Recital reflected the remarkable and diverse musical, poetic, and comedic talents of Scholars.
National Secretaries responsible for administering the Rhodes Scholarships around the world were in Oxford in the last week of term for Secretaries' Week, held every two years to update National Secretaries and enable them to share perspectives and contribute ideas for the future. National Secretaries took part in meetings with the Trust's 
Scholarship Committee and Development Committee, and with the Trustees. Current Scholars had a number of opportunities to engage with National Secretaries, including at a barbecue for all Scholars after the Rhodes Recital, and in country-specific dinners.
Professor Ngaire Woods (New Zealand & Balliol 1987), Rhodes Trustee, spoke at the Going Down Dinner on 24 June. She spoke of how Oxford helped to teach Scholars some of the key skills they need - to listen critically, to test their own instincts, to disagree with others incisively, to turn their setbacks into triumphs, to explain themselves and to engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and to choose their associates wisely.
'We have all loved having you here, and look forward to seeing you back soon and often, and to your helping us nurture this very special thing, the Rhodes Scholarships', she said.
On the following Sunday, Rhodes Scholars of the classes of 2008 and 2009 relaxed at a casual garden party in the Warden's garden at Rhodes House for Scholars who are going down.
To read about Rhodes events in the first half of term, please click here.
