TWO students from the Commonwealth have completed their studies at the University of Worcester.

Shandana Rehman, from Pakistan, and Immaculate Moururi, from Kenya have spent the last year studying at the University under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme.

The scheme, which is a joint initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, supports scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.

Shandana, who studied for an MSc in Public Health, trained as a Dentist but decided she wanted to re-focus on raising people’s awareness on health.

“I want to work for the United Nations, said the 25-year-old.

“I know it’s a big dream but working with the World Health Organisation or the UN could be where I make the difference I want to.”

Immaculate, aged 28, also studied for an MSc in Public Health.

She said: “As a nutritionist, I used to have mothers come to me who had a sick baby.

“No matter how much I told them about a healthy diet and good hygiene practices, I know that baby would stay sick because it doesn’t have access to clean water.

"That is when I knew I need to start at the roots.

"My Masters in Public Health can help me to do that.”

She added: "Now I have my Masters, back home I will be taken seriously so I can make the difference I want to.”

University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said he was very proud of their achievement.

He said: “Highly skilled graduates working in such an important area as public health are truly essential for social and economic development and the well-being of the people.”

“The University of Worcester is delighted that Shandana and Immaculate chose to study with us over this past year and have been so successful.

"We know that over the coming years they will each make an outstanding contribution to the development of Kenya and Pakistan respectively.”