An Uncommon Story: Keith Tamwa (‘24) Selected as Ellison Scholar to Oxford

An Uncommon Story: Keith Tamwa (USAP ’24) has been selected as an Ellison Scholar to pursue his undergraduate studies at Oxford University.

When Keith Anesu Raul Tamwa (USAP ‘24) received the email confirming his selection as an Ellison Scholar, he was overwhelmed. The Ellison Scholars Program is a new prestigious scholarship that provides full funding for studies at the University of Oxford, along with access to cutting-edge research resources. The program seeks to identify exceptional talent dedicated to solving global challenges in areas like health, food security, and AI. For Keith, being selected was a pivotal moment in his journey, offering him the chance to collaborate on transformative projects with some of the brightest minds in the world. This scholarship was not just an achievement—it also marked the beginning of a future focused on impactful work. He is one of 20 undergraduate scholars chosen for the pioneering class out of over 2,000 applicants worldwide. Notably, Keith is the only Ellison Scholar selected from sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring his exceptional potential and unique perspective.

For Keith, being selected as an Ellison Scholar represents far more than just the honour of studying at the University of Oxford; it also symbolizes the fulfilment of a dream he never imagined was possible. Growing up in Domboshava, Zimbabwe, he never thought he would have the chance to pursue education at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. “It means that a kid from Domboshava gets to study at the University of Oxford and research alongside some of the world’s sharpest minds ,” he said, acknowledging the gravity of this opportunity. Beyond the academic prestige, however, the scholarship represents a chance to create meaningful change—not only in his own life but also in his community, his country, and the world. Keith has always been deeply moved by the global issue of food security, which affects over 2 billion people worldwide. “Being part of a research team working to combat this crisis fills me with immense purpose,” he shared. For him, the scholarship isn’t just a stepping stone in his academic journey—it’s a responsibility to leverage the knowledge and opportunities he gains to make a tangible, positive impact on the world.

Keith’s long-term goals centre around using his skills and resources to address the challenges he encounters. From creating a YouTube channel to make Physics education more accessible to thousands of students in Africa and beyond to working currently as the Physics Teaching Assistant (TA) at USAP Community School to exploring solutions for food security through a Zimbabwe Science Fair project, Keith has consistently sought innovative ways to make an impact. He views the Ellison Scholarship as the perfect alignment with these ambitions. “This scholarship sits at the intersection of my goals, providing a platform to innovate and develop solutions for challenges in agriculture, education, and beyond,” he shared. Keith will study Engineering Science at Oxford and be part of Jesus College. He looks forward to collaborating with faculty and fellow scholars, applying his engineering expertise to create solutions that will make a real-world impact.

Keith’s journey as an Ellison Scholar is guided by a set of core values he hopes to live by throughout his academic and personal journey. “I want to give my best effort in every aspect of my academic and personal journey,” he affirmed. He believes in living with humility, curiosity, and perseverance, values that will guide him through the challenges and opportunities ahead. Keith recognizes that true growth comes not from solitary effort, but from collaboration and a willingness to ask for guidance when needed.

If Keith’s story were to be made into a movie five years from now, he imagines the title would be An Uncommon Story. While this title is still a work in progress, it resonates with the unique journey Keith is undertaking—from a young person growing up in rural Zimbabwe to becoming a scholar at Oxford University. His story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of meaningful change. “Honestly, I just wrote this as a placeholder, but it feels fitting,” he said, reflecting on the title. “Mine an uncommon story, one I am immensely grateful for,  that I hope will inspire others to dream big and push beyond their limits.”