Risper Okello

18 years old, from Kenya, attending the University of Surrey, UK. Risper was awarded a Beacon Scholarship for University in May 2023 and a Beacon Scholarship for Schools in June 2020.

Risper is studying towards a BSc in Politics and Economics. Prior to that she attended Hillcrest School, Nairobi, where she enjoyed a solid record of academic achievement, finishing with A*AB at A-level.

Risper is a keen basketball and football player, and she represented her school in both teams. She enjoys debate, STEM activities and singing.

Risper is noted as a 'people person' and enjoys a good deal of popularity and influence with her peers. She motivates people very well, and is driven, organised and resilient. At school, Risper used this influence in many positive ways, including as Deputy Head of School and on the Executive of the Scholars Society.

Risper is an active and engaged citizen: she leads projects such as gathering book donations for a local primary school, clothes donations for a children's home in Kibera, and she mentors teenage girls on menstrual hygiene. She also rallied her peers at Hillcrest to support these activities with her.

Beacon Workshop Participation

Risper's 2023 Summer Beacon Citizenship Project focused on setting up a self-sustaining paper recycling project at her former school, Hillcrest International, in Nairobi.

In Leadership Workshops, Risper is an innovative problem-solver who adapts to challenges.  She volunteers for roles and is a confident and passionate group leader who effectively delegates tasks and opportunities among team members.