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Professor Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global and Civic Engagement)

Ukrainian Summer School Students, Yuliia, Polina and Juliia (L-R)

As a Sussex alumnus and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement, I have seen first-hand how the Sussex Fund transforms lives. It’s a powerful expression of what I believe makes Sussex truly special: our commitment to kindness.

Kindness is woven into everything we do; from the opportunities we create and the barriers we remove to the community we nurture.

The Sussex Fund is solely based on philanthropic donations and every year our generous alumni, staff and friends support our appeal. Their generosity supports hundreds of students each year through scholarships, hardship bursaries, wellbeing initiatives and more. It is a vital source of support that opens doors for talented students, regardless of their backgrounds, and ensures no one is left behind. I’m proud to share a few stories here that show just how powerfully the Sussex Fund transforms lives.

From Gaza to Sussex

In September, we welcomed two recipients of the Scholarships for Palestine to Sussex, supported by the Sussex Fund. Having lived through conflict, these students have now arrived safely from Gaza to begin their postgraduate studies with full scholarships. Thanks to donors we were able to successfully provide this life-changing opportunity.

Supporting women in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, where education for women and girls is once more severely restricted under Taliban rule, Sussex has awarded five online Masters scholarships in Sustainable Development to Afghan women. These pioneering scholarships have helped overcome barriers like the high price of internet access and equipment costs, empowering women to continue learning against the odds. Generous supporters of the Sussex Fund have made this possible – transforming the prospects of five women who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

A commitment to education, opportunity and potential

In 2024/25, for the second year running, we welcomed Ukrainian students and a faculty member from our partner university in Dnipro to the Sussex Summer School. This was a very special opportunity for the students to join lectures in person and enjoy being on a university campus. All their learning currently takes place online due of the constant threat of Russian missile strikes which often target schools and universities.

“I have never attended a real class in person, never sat in a lecture hall, and never stood at the front of the room to present my work.

"I experienced all of this at Sussex. I could forget about the war and immerse myself in learning, new experiences, and inspiring conversations. This experience was a gift I will never forget.”

– Yuliia, Ukrainian student.

Every donation provides steady, reliable support that opens doors to education, safety, and belonging. It helps us plan ahead and respond quickly to students in need whether they’re fleeing conflict, overcoming hardship, or striving to reach their potential. Thank you to everyone who supports the Sussex Fund.

Professor Robin Banerjee (Social Psychology, 1995; DPhil, 1998)
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global and Civic Engagement)

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