Blankson is currently in Ghana, where she is carrying out surveys for her master’s thesis on the social-emotional development of children in different school settings. Dr Katrin Rothmaler, academic coordinator of the MSc programme in Child Development and Intervention, accepted the DAAD Prize on behalf of the student.
“Ms Blankson is not only an asset to our university, but a role model for us all. Her tireless efforts – academically, professionally and socially – make her a worthy winner of the DAAD Prize 2024,” said Professor Middell in recognition of the award winner.
Emma Blankson commenced her studies at Leipzig University in 2022 on the international master’s programme in Early Childhood Research. Despite the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, she created a strong sense of community within her cohort with her spirited commitment and helped her fellow students to navigate the programme. For example, she regularly translated class assignments into more accessible language, enabling other students to participate actively and successfully in class.
Ms Blankson’s commitment inspired Dr Katrin Rothmaler to introduce a buddy programme in the Child Development and Intervention master’s programme, which matches newly enrolled students in touch with motivated students from higher semesters. Alongside her studies, Ms Blankson has been learning German, worked as an English tutor and is also a student assistant at the newly established Humboldt Science Center for Child Development.
The DAAD Prize for international students was first awarded more than ten years ago. It is intended to honour the special achievements of students from abroad at German universities and to emphasise the importance of international exchange. The prize is endowed with 1000 euros.
