Lengwe Chalwe
What inspired you to become a Part-Time Officer in the Students' Union?
As someone who spent my undergraduate years in China as part of a minority group, I understand first-hand how challenging it can be to navigate a non-inclusive environment while striving for academic success. These experiences have instilled in me a deep commitment to fostering equality, inclusion, and diversity at the University of Leicester.
To me, equity is as fundamental as the air we breathe—no one is more entitled to oxygen, just as no one should be more entitled to basic human rights. We all deserve to thrive in an environment where we are treated with fairness and respect.
While Leicester is celebrated for its cultural and ethnic diversity, true inclusivity requires intentional efforts from every member of our community. As a proud "Citizen of Change," I am determined to help ensure that every student feels valued, included, and treated equitably.
My passion for quality, shaped by my current MSc course, extends beyond academics. It drives me to improve the quality of inclusivity and diversity within our university community. This role allows me to contribute meaningfully to a welcoming, supportive environment for all students.
What are your priorities for the year?
One of my key priorities this year is to address a concern I've observed at the university: a sense of disengagement among some minority groups and underserved populations in extracurricular activities. While our coursework is undeniably demanding, I believe there may be hidden barriers contributing to this phenomenon. My first step will be to confirm whether this issue exists as it appears and, if so, identify the root causes. From there, my focus will shift to developing and implementing a project aimed at breaking down these barriers and fostering greater participation.
Additionally, I am committed to successfully delivering Join the Movement! The Leicester Rhythm: Celebrating Diversity, Empowering Inclusion. This year-long global dance initiative invites students from diverse regions of the world to collaborate on creating songs and routines that represent their cultures. The project emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring ALL students, including those living with disabilities have a platform to share their ideas and actively participate. It’s a celebration of Leicester’s vibrant, diverse community and a powerful reminder of the university's commitment to unity and inclusion.
Through these efforts, my goal is to leave a lasting impact on the university by significantly improving the involvement of minority groups and underserved populations in non-academic activities. Together, we can make the University of Leicester a place where everyone feels inspired and empowered to participate fully in campus life.
What makes you perfect for this role?
What truly makes me suited for the role of Ethnic and Equity Officer is my personal experience with the challenges that non-inclusive environments pose to students, particularly within academic settings. As I shared in my earlier statement, having lived through these struggles during my time as a minority student, I am deeply committed to creating a more inclusive environment at the University of Leicester.
In addition to my lived experience, I bring a wealth of skills to the table. I served as an International Students Ambassador for two years at Xi’an Jiaotong Medical University, where I developed strong communication skills and the ability to approach every conversation with sensitivity, neutrality, and respect. I thrive on engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives—especially those different from my own. You can be assured that I am eager to listen to every idea, concern, or complaint, whether it’s directed towards me or the broader student experience.
Above all, what truly sets me apart is my genuine care for the wellbeing and success of all students. I am passionate about making a positive difference and ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and respected.
What Are My Interests and Hobbies?
For the fun part, I’m all about music! If you have a smash hit song or album from your country, town, or language, I’d love to hear it—please share it with me! Music is a universal language, and I’m always excited to discover new sounds and artists.
Another passion of mine is traveling. If you're looking for extra carry-on luggage or need a travel buddy on your way home or to a holiday destination, count me in!
Cooking is also something I truly enjoy. So, when your amazing festival celebrations roll around, please invite me over! I’d love to learn how to prepare your local delicacies. My plate can handle the heat, from super spicy dishes to flavourful specialties like stinky tofu (one of my favourite Asian dishes) and even unagi!
Lastly, I’m a huge fan of the comedy series Friends. I can watch it for hours on end without losing interest—it never gets old!
To contact the Ethnic Equity Officer, email: