I’m Kayla Arnold, 26 years old, and I grew up in South Africa but currently live in London, UK. I have a BA in International Relations and an MSc in Global Health, and now I combine these interests working in international development. I am currently a policy advisor at a development organisation, conducting research and influencing the UK government across global health, humanitarian, and climate change issues.
I have also always been involved in activism and volunteering, and I’m currently a UK Youth Ambassador for the ONE Campaign working on ending extreme poverty, campaigning on issues like food insecurity and climate justice. My aspirations are focused towards reducing inequalities, crisis and community resilience, and pushing for systemic changes for a more gender-equal, environmentally-friendly, healthy, and inclusive world.
When I’m not behind my laptop, I love being out in nature – such as hiking, running, diving, backpacking around the world – and now I can officially say sailing! I’ve been dancing since I was little and I’m also an avid reader and writer.
“The summer school was a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Stepping aboard as strangers and leaving as friends, I am so grateful for the chance to go beyond superficial topics and perceived differences to engage on so many topics and ways of living life.
Kayla Arnold
I learned so much from my fellow participants and enjoyed all of our deep discussions both under the baking sun and lying out on the boat under the midnight stars. There’s a special connection that you form when you spend so much time with strangers and I know that we will keep in touch in years to come, wherever we are.”