Wasswa Hassan's manifesto for the position of Black Students Officer at the University of Hertfordshire
My name is Wasswa Hassan, a 20 year old proud Ugandan and member of the East African Society at the University of Hertfordshire. I am running for the role of Black Students Officer to represent and uplift our Black student community. Being part of the East African Society has shown me the strength and unity we can achieve when we come together to celebrate our heritage. With your support, I am committed to advocating for a university experience that is inclusive, empowering, and enriching for all Black students.
Why I’m Running
My experiences as a Ugandan student and as part of the East African Society have deepened my commitment to representing the diverse cultures within our Black community. I know firsthand how important it is for students from all backgrounds to feel a sense of belonging and representation. I want to be a voice for every Black student, to address the challenges we face, and to ensure our university is a place where we can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.
My Vision and Commitments
- Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment
I will work to make the University of Hertfordshire a welcoming space for all Black students. I am dedicated to tackling issues of discrimination by advocating for stronger zero-tolerance policies on racism especially cyber bullying and improving the reporting systems for incidents of bias and harassment. Every student should feel safe, respected, and supported, and I will work tirelessly to create this environment on campus.
- Promoting Cultural Celebration and Representation
Our community is rich with diverse cultures and histories that deserve to be celebrated year-round. I will advocate for more cultural events, workshops, and showcases, not just during Black History Month, but throughout the year, working alongside the East African Society and other black student organizations such as the ghana nigeria society as well as the African caribbean society.These events will create opportunities for our community to connect, share, and celebrate our heritage and achievements.
- Supporting Academic and Career Success
I believe Black students should have access to mentorship and professional opportunities that support our success. I will work to establish mentorship programs that connect students with Black professionals and alumni, ensuring we have access to guidance and role models. Additionally, I will advocate for career fairs and job shadowing opportunities that specifically address the unique challenges Black students may face when entering the workforce.
- Advocating for Mental Health and Well-being
Mental health is essential for personal and academic success, and I am committed to making sure Black students have access to culturally sensitive mental health resources. I will push for more diverse counseling staff, mental health workshops, and wellness events that address the specific needs of our community, creating a safe space for Black students to seek support and take care of their well-being.
- Building a Stronger Voice for Black Students
Representation is crucial for meaningful change. I will ensure Black students have a voice at all levels of decision-making within the university. By working with university leadership, societies, and external organizations, I will advocate for policy changes that reflect our needs and aspirations. My goal is to create a campus environment where Black students feel not only present but empowered to make a lasting impact.
Conclusion
As a Ugandan and a proud member of the East African Society and the University of Hertfordshire , I am committed to being a strong, united voice for all Black students at the University of Hertfordshire. Together, we can create a campus that celebrates our diversity, supports our ambitions, and values our contributions. I ask for your support in this journey to make a real, lasting difference for our community.