In April 2025, Mohamed and Génie, were among thirty three exceptional scientists from central Africa to be awarded a CBSI scholarship through the Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development (CRAFT) programme. CRAFT is the first major CBSI programme, funded for five years from 2025 with £9.1m from UK International Development. CRAFT aims to transform scientific research and environmental stewardship across the Congo Basin by building world-class scientific capacity within Central Africa, enabling homegrown research to drive policy and sustainable development. The programme supports 12 leading research groups at institutions across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, fostering a new generation of scientists through 21 PhD and 12 MSc scholarships for students from these four host countries.
Now, Mohamed and Génie are embarking on an exciting new chapter in the UK. Mohamed has joined University College London for a one-year MSc in Environmental Anthropology, while Génie is preparing for a four-year PhD at the University of Leeds, focusing on water flux dynamics in the Congo River wetlands. Both overcame significant language and academic challenges to reach this milestone, demonstrating remarkable dedication and resilience.
Let’s give them a warm welcome and take a moment to hear their inspiring stories, from applying to the programme in Central Africa to beginning their programmes as international scholars in the UK.
Interview with Mohamed Mounir Mfonden Poumie:
What motivated you to apply for the CBSI programme?
My decision to apply for this scholarship was inspired by a strong desire to deepen my understanding of the complex relationships between people and their environments, particularly how cultural values, traditional knowledge, and ecological systems can coexist to shape sustainable futures.
How easy/difficult was the application process?
Easy enough not to get me discouraged.
How did you feel when you got invited for an interview?
When I received the invitation to attend the interview, I felt an overwhelming mix of gratitude, excitement, and humility. It was a deeply emotional moment, a confirmation that my years of dedication to environmental conservation, community engagement, and research had been recognised. I saw it as more than just an academic opportunity; it was an acknowledgment of my journey, from working with local farmers and forest communities in the Congo Basin to conducting research that connects people, culture, and nature.
How did you feel after the interview and when you received the offer?
Walking away from the interview, I felt grateful for the opportunity to share my story. Regardless of the outcome, I knew I had grown through the experience and that my commitment to this field had been strengthened.
When I received the offer, I was overcome with joy, and gratitude. It was one of those rare moments when hard work, perseverance, and purpose come together. I felt a surge of emotion, not only for achieving this personal milestone but also for the opportunities it represented: learning from world-leading scholars, advancing my research, and being part of a community that values both culture and nature.
What happened after you received the offer? How was the preparation to come to the UK? Were there any barriers?
Preparing to come to the UK was an exciting yet demanding process that required careful planning, patience, and persistence. I approached it with a sense of purpose, knowing that it stood for not only an academic opportunity but also a new stage in my personal and professional growth.
The preparation involved key steps: gathering academic documents, securing the scholarship funding, applying for a student visa, arranging accommodation, completing pre-departure orientations and medical requirements (for which I had to travel several times between Foumban and Yaoundé). Each stage demanded attention to detail and a keen sense of organisation.
One of the main barriers I met was navigating administrative procedures that were sometimes complex and time-sensitive, especially with visa processing, document verification, and financial documentation. Another challenge was the emotional and logistical transition. Preparing to leave family, community, and professional commitments behind while embracing the uncertainty of an unfamiliar environment and culture.
However, I approached these challenges with resilience. I sought guidance from CBSI and UCL staff, and former students who shared practical advice about living and studying in the UK. I also strengthened my English communication skills through an intensive language training programme in Gabon, which greatly improved my confidence.
Was there a point where you wanted to give up?
Yes, there was a moment when things became so difficult that I felt almost defeated. It happened on the day I was supposed to travel to the UK. Everything had been carefully prepared: my bags were packed, my family and friends accompanied me to the airport, and we were all filled with excitement and pride.
But just as I was about to check in, an unexpected technical issue arose with my e-visa, which prevented me from boarding the flight. For a brief moment, I did think of giving up. But I reflected on everything I had overcome to get this far: the long application process, the interviews, the preparations. I reminded myself that resilience is built in moments like this. I immediately reached out to my supervisor, and with their support, the issue was resolved, but too late for that flight.
Watching that plane leave without me was heartbreaking. I felt a mix of disappointment, frustration, and helplessness, especially because I had worked so hard to reach that moment. My family tried to comfort me, reminding me that setbacks are part of every journey, but in that instant, it felt like everything was falling apart. That experience taught me a powerful lesson: success is not about how perfectly everything goes, but about how you respond when things don’t go as planned. Missing that flight was painful, but it deepened my determination. My flight was rescheduled. When I finally boarded the next plane, I carried not just my luggage, but also a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.
What was your most precious moment during the process of preparing for the UK?
My most precious moment during the process of preparing for the UK was when I finally boarded the plane after a period of uncertainty and emotional turbulence. It felt like the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and faith. This moment represented more than just administrative success; it was a validation of my journey, my purpose, and the community that stood behind me.
I still remember standing with my friends and family, holding the passport with the printed visa inside. Their smiles, the congratulatory hugs, and the sense of shared relief made me realise that this was not just my journey, it was our journey. Every late-night application edit, every form filled, every document verified had led to that point. It was a moment of quiet gratitude and deep reflection, an affirmation that challenges are only stepping stones toward greater beginnings.
How did you feel when you stepped out of the plane in London?
When I stepped out of the plane in London, a wave of emotions washed over me: relief, excitement, and disbelief all at once. The cool air against my face felt symbolic, like a breath of new beginnings. After everything I had gone through, the visa hurdles, the missed flight, the anxious waiting. It felt surreal to finally set foot on the soil I had dreamed about for so long.
I paused for a moment before walking toward immigration, just to take it all in. The lights, the sounds, and the organised rush of people reminded me that I was now part of something bigger: a global academic and cultural community. It wasn’t just about reaching London; it was about realising that every challenge had led me exactly here.
A deep sense of gratitude filled me, for the scholarship that made this journey possible, for my mentors and family who believed in me, and for the opportunity to grow both intellectually and personally. I knew then that this wasn’t just the end of a journey, it was the beginning of a new chapter of learning, discovery, and contribution.
Now that you are in the UK, how are you finding it so far?
Now that I am in the UK, every day feels like a blend of discovery, adaptation, and quiet amazement. On the positive side, I’ve been deeply impressed by the academic culture: the openness of discussions, the access to world-class resources, and the diversity of perspectives in the classroom. The way lecturers encourage critical thinking and independent reflection is both stimulating and empowering. I also appreciate how multicultural the environment is; interacting with people from different parts of the world has broadened my worldview and reminded me how interconnected our global challenges truly are. Outside the classroom, I find joy in small things: the beauty of autumn leaves, the kindness of people offering directions when I get lost, and the sense of safety and order that surrounds daily life. It’s inspiring to see how sustainability and community engagement are integrated into everyday routines, which resonates strongly with my own values and background. Of course, there are challenges too. Adjusting to the weather has been one. The pace of academic life can also be demanding, with tight deadlines and new learning systems to master. And, like many international students, there are moments of homesickness: missing familiar faces, languages, and local foods. But overall, every challenge feels like part of the growth process. Being here has strengthened my adaptability, my curiosity, and my determination to make the most of this opportunity. The UK is already shaping me in ways that go far beyond academics: it’s teaching me resilience, independence, and how to find home in new places.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming CBSI scholarship years?
During my upcoming CBSI scholarship years, I look forward to a period of deep academic engagement, intercultural exchange, and professional development. Enrolling in the MSc in Environmental Anthropology offers a unique opportunity to bridge my background in environmental sciences, natural resources management, and community-based conservation with the anthropological perspectives necessary to understand human–environment interactions in their cultural context.
Academically, I am eager to strengthen my analytical and research skills through rigorous coursework, seminars, and field-based learning. I look forward to collaborating closely with leading scholars whose expertise will challenge and refine my understanding of the social dimensions of environmental change. I hope to explore how Indigenous knowledge systems and local governance structures can contribute to sustainable natural resource management, a topic that resonates strongly with my professional experience in the Congo Basin.
On a personal and professional level, I expect that these years will allow me to grow as both a researcher and a practitioner. The scholarship provides an invaluable platform to engage with a diverse community of scholars and peers from around the world, fostering dialogue and collaboration on shared sustainability challenges. I also look forward to contributing actively to this community through my field experience, my understanding of tropical ecosystems, and my passion for inclusive environmental action.
Looking beyond the MSc, I plan to pursue a PhD focused on the socio-ecological dynamics of forest-dependent communities and the role of traditional ecological knowledge in climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation. Following this, I aim to undertake postdoctoral research that applies these insights to design culturally informed conservation programmes and sustainable development policies. This long-term trajectory will allow me to combine rigorous academic research with practical interventions that benefit both communities and ecosystems.
Ultimately, I see this scholarship period as a transformative phase; one that will equip me with the intellectual tools, ethical grounding, and global perspectives necessary to advance research and practice in environmental sustainability. My goal is to emerge from this experience prepared to lead innovative, culturally sensitive initiatives that balance ecological integrity with human well-being and to contribute meaningfully to academic, policy, and conservation communities worldwide.
What does the CBSI scholarship mean to you and why do you think it is beneficial?
The CBSI scholarship means the world to me. It is not just financial support: it’s a symbol of trust, hope, and recognition of my journey in protecting nature and empowering communities. It reminds me that every effort I’ve made truly matters.
Through this scholarship, I now have the chance to deepen my understanding of how people and the environment are connected. Studying Environmental Anthropology will help me bridge science with culture, and action with empathy. It gives me the freedom to learn, explore, and grow in ways that will strengthen my ability to make a difference.
It’s also deeply humbling to be part of a global community of thinkers and changemakers who care about the future of our planet. This opportunity is more than a personal achievement; it’s a responsibility. I aim to apply what I learn here to inspire others, give back to my sub-region (the Congo Basin), and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive world.
This scholarship is not the end of a journey; it’s the beginning of a much greater one.
Interview with Génie Spirou Lutonadio Kiala:
What motivated you to apply for the CBSI programme?
I was motivated to apply because the CBSI offers great opportunities for networking and international collaboration. It allows me to share ideas with researchers from different fields and help strengthen the scientific community working on the Congo Basin.
I value the programme’s focus on building local research capacity and involving local institutions in decision-making. I also want to raise awareness about the importance of the Congo Basin, which is vital for the global environment but still under-studied. For me, the CBSI is more than a training programme, it’s a key initiative for the future of Congo Basin research, and I’m proud to be part of it.
How easy/difficult was the application process?
The process was both easy and challenging. It was easy because the deadline gave me enough time to prepare my documents and write my statement calmly and confidently. However, it was also difficult because the application form was quite long, I remember mine reached about 76 pages with all the answers, and the interview questions were not easy, which shows how competitive the process was.
How did you feel when you got invited for an interview?
I felt elated when I received the interview invitation. The email from CBSI was wonderful, and I still remember the sentence: “After careful consideration of your application, the selection committee is delighted to invite you to an interview to discuss your experience and motivation, and to assess your skills.” It was very exciting to take part in the interview, a great reward for the time and effort I had put into the first stage of the application.
How did you feel after the interview and when you received the offer?
My feelings were indescribable. After the interview, I felt very confident because it was such a fruitful discussion with the interviewers, whom I greatly respect for their work on the Congo Basin. Receiving the offer was a moment of gratitude and prayer to God, a dream beginning to come true!
What happened after you received the offer? How was the preparation to come to the UK? Were there any barriers?
The preparation was both exciting and stressful. It was exciting because I received support from the CBSI team at every step. It was stressful because I had to prepare for the TOEFL to meet the English requirements of the School of Civil Engineering, and I worried that all the effort I had put in over the semester might be lost if I didn’t succeed.
Was there a point where you wanted to give up?
Yes, waiting was difficult. It took a long time to receive my University of Leeds acceptance, and I sent several follow-up emails during this period. There were moments of frustration, but I stayed committed and did not give up.
What was your most precious moment during the process of preparing for the UK?
Without a doubt, the most precious moment was when I received my University of Leeds acceptance. It felt like a breakthrough and the relief after a long waiting period.
How did you feel when you stepped out of the plane in Manchester?
When I stepped out of the plane at Manchester Airport, I felt grateful to myself for not giving up. I also felt like I was on a research mission, ready to learn new things and develop my skills to contribute to Congo Basin research.
Now that you are in the UK, how are you finding it so far?
The University of Leeds is an incredibly international place, beyond my expectations. The state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, infrastructure, and engagement with tropical research networks are very helpful for my PhD journey. The main challenge so far has been adapting to the weather.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming CBSI scholarship years?
Looking ahead, I am committed to contributing to the growth and impact of the CBSI by learning alongside my supervisors and other CBSI researchers through research, training, and knowledge sharing. I aim to help establish CBSI as a regional platform of excellence in hydrodynamic research, water resource development, ecosystem resilience, and improving livelihoods. I also plan to strengthen scientific data systems and support applied research to guide sustainable management and policy strategies in the Congo Basin.
What does the CBSI scholarship mean to you and why do you think it is beneficial?
For me, the CBSI scholarship is more than just an academic opportunity, it is a continuation of my dedication to water research in Central Africa. Joining the PhD programme in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds through CBSI is a major milestone in my career. It will allow me to expand my expertise, collaborate with international researchers, and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources and climate resilience in one of the world’s most important yet under-studied ecological regions.
Anything else you would like to share?
I would like to thank UK International Development for the funding, as well as the chairs of CBSI, the Secretariat, my supervisors, and the members of the Hydrology and Freshwater Observatory for all the support they continue to provide throughout this journey. I would also like to thank my mentor, who taught me: “Non scholae, sed vitae discimus”, we do not learn for school, but for life. This philosophy has shaped and will continue to guide my academic journey.
