Leslie Nachula

"Seeing a gap in school leadership formation in my country and how it negatively impacted access to quality education by all young people, inspired me to apply for the Australia Awards scholarship. I wanted to gain more knowledge and skills to co-create a school leadership formation platform that would not only provide school leaders with the opportunity for continuing professional development but would ensure all learners’ access to quality education regardless of their physical, psychological, mental or social status.

As a mother of five children, (two with disabilities), the role to coordinate continuing professional development for teachers in the Ministry of General Education based at the province presented me with a platform to influence change in the school leadership. This could be achieved from the insider’s perspective of the stigmatised families and mothers of children with disabilities.

Moving to Australia to take up my studies without my family was difficult, but my experience of the Australians' generosity for their community and beyond has helped shape my advocacy journey for the children with disability and their mothers in my community back in Zambia.

Armed with the knowledge acquired through masters studies at Flinders University and beyond, I look forward to playing a role in empowering school leaders and teachers through my contribution to inclusive school leadership and advocacy for women and children with disabilities in my home country.