Tell us about your journey from Sudan to UVA.

Bakhit: My journey from Sudan to UVA was not easy or predictable. When I received my admission offer in the spring, I was very excited to come to UVA. Shortly after in April, the conflict broke out in Sudan in which 9,000 people have lost their lives and around 5.6 million have lost their homes. After six months, little remains of my city, Khartoum.
My family and I were visiting relatives outside of the country. We decided for our safety that it was better to not go back at that time. My brother who was still in Sudan had to evacuate our house and go to a safe shelter. We lost our home and our belongings.
I came to UVA with an almost empty bag, but I've had tremendous support from my family and Batten admissions, who were very kind and understanding of my situation.

How can UVA as an institution or individuals at UVA respond to what is happening in Sudan?

Bakhit: UVA as an institution can help share awareness about what is happening in Sudan. They could invite Sudanese scholars to speak on the issue and share mental support resources like CAPS with the Sudanese student groups. For individuals, I think educating yourself about what is happening is very important. Here is an article about what is happening in Sudan after six months of civil war that explains it better than me.

Prior to joining Batten, you were a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders and worked for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA). Tell us about those experiences.

Bakhit: For the past three years I was working with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA) a project that supported the Sudanese transitional government election laws and policy reforms. I am very passionate about pushing for reforms that can advance democratic governance.
As a Mandela Washington Fellow last year, I spent my fellowship in Washington DC where I spent the first half at Howard university attending classes on leadership in public management with other fellows from 23 African countries. I got a chance to befriend and learn about their countries and the issues they are working to solve. The second half of my fellowship I spent at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). At NED, I supported the Africa team in their work in Sudan and conducted some research.

What inspired you to get involved in leadership & public policy?

Bakhit: At the start of my career, I was very focused on gender inequalities and empowering women in Sudan. I co-founded a non-profit that empowers Sudanese youth with role models and representations using innovative means such as art. Our first project was a comic magazine that featured a young girl as a superhero focusing on issues in the community. During that time, the Sudanese 2018 revolution reached its peak. It raised my hope in a better Sudan, and I wanted to be part of the policy and laws reform.

What are your goals for your time at Batten and your plans for the future?

Bakhit: I would like to learn everything I can about designing, implementing and measuring the impact of policies. I would also like to learn about the United States legislative system and how American democracy works while raising awareness about what is happening in my country. Finally, I want to form lifelong friendships. After finishing at Batten, I would like to continue studying and acquire another degree, hopefully at UVA.

What would you tell an international student who is interested in studying at UVA?

Bakhit: I would encourage them to come to UVA. The faculty and admission are all working to make sure each student receives the best educational experience. The community is very welcoming, and Charlottesville is so green and beautiful.