When a PhD becomes a community legacy

Academic success supported by the community

Supported by the Excellence in Africa (EXAF) centre as part of the 100PhDs for Africa programme, Geoffrey Mwendwa was keen to mark this major milestone in his scientific career in the very place where it all began: his native village and primary school.

Knowledge as a living legacy

At the heart of the ceremony, the lighting and passing on of an academic torch symbolised the continuity of knowledge between generations. Lit by teachers and researchers from previous generations, passed on to the new doctor, then symbolically entrusted to the young pupils, this torch embodied a powerful vision of knowledge: a collective good, destined to circulate, enlighten and uplift communities.

In the same spirit, the planting of a Legacy Tree served as a reminder that education is a long-term investment. Just as this tree will grow and provide shade for decades to come, the knowledge passed on today will nourish the trajectories of many young people tomorrow.

Direct exchanges between students, teachers and mentors were another key moment. The young people's questions about academic resilience, university pathways and possible careers highlighted the concrete impact of such events: inspiring vocations, making academic trajectories visible and accessible, and building bridges to the future.

Individual success, collective responsibility

Testimonials from Geoffrey Mwendwa's former classmates, from primary school to university, emphasised a central message: excellence is built over time and within a community. Kasanga Primary School's motto, ‘No Pain No Gain’, resonated as a reminder of the effort and perseverance required to reach such heights.

By leaving the academic torch on permanent display at Kasanga School, a clear commitment was made: academic success is not a break with one's community, but a return to it. Each achievement thus becomes a responsibility and an invitation to support the next generation.

EXAF and the 100PhDs for Africa programme

At the EXAF centre, we are particularly proud to have supported Geoffrey Mwendwa throughout his four-year PhD programme through the 100PhDs for Africa programme. His journey powerfully illustrates the ambition of this initiative: to train researchers of excellence, deeply rooted in their local contexts and committed to the sustainable transformation of their societies.

By celebrating his PhD in the heart of his village, Geoffrey Mwendwa reminds us that research and higher education can — and must — engage with communities, nurture hope and open up new horizons.

Congratulations to Geoffrey Mwendwa on this remarkable achievement and for carrying the torch of knowledge with meaning, humility and generosity.