Spring Graduates 2023: Esther Omoare-Bamuyi

Esther Omoare-Bamuyi wanted to study Social Work to help advocate for others who need support and to help them fulfil their potential. She put this into practice during her time at Essex – not only by excelling in her study and work placements, but also by getting fully involved in opportunities to provide fellow students with a voice.

During her three years studying for a BA Social Work at Essex, Esther took advantage of any opportunity to help support others.

Each year, she represented the interests of fellow students by being a member of the Student Voice Group, and she also took part in the School of Health and Social Care’s working group addressing issues such as racism, with a particular focus on supporting social work and social care students in placement settings.

“I was raised in a family where helping others was fundamental to my upbringing and I saw first-hand the positive impact that it can have on people’s lives,” Esther said. “My aim is to advocate for people who need support, to recognise their full potential and to help enrich their lives.”

It was due to her background, as well as her interest in social injustice and marginalisation, which drew her to studying for social work in the School of Health and Social Care.

“I have always been interested in human rights and how different countries use these in their culture and way of living. I am also very interested in learning about how culture, religion, poverty, oppression and how societal structures and inequalities can disadvantage minority ethnic communities,” she said.

She found the degree challenging, informative and eye-opening. It also expanded her research interests.

“I am better informed that social work cannot be limited to a single definition but is rather relevant in multiple contexts. This course has also widened my research interests regarding the contemporary issues that occur within our society including child sexual exploitation, gangs, mental health, racism, and poverty.”

Esther chose Essex because of its cultural diversity, which she believes is a great asset.

“The cultural diversity plays a part in creating the ‘home away from home’ community feeling,” she said. “I am very glad that I choose Essex as I have had many opportunities to meet new people and embrace new cultures and traditions. This has also helped with regards to networking with other students, and in making lifelong friends who live both abroad and within the UK.”

Esther excelled in her studies and was one of two students to share the final year award for the highest achieving social work student. Her lecturers also commended her for the commitment to advocacy she demonstrated, and for embodying the social work values of advocacy and professional leadership, during the placements on her course.

Due to her success, Esther was offered a place on an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. She successfully completed that and now works within a children’s social work team.

“I am very glad to currently be working in a children’s social work team where I am contributing to the effective application of resources to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and their families. I am very passionate in ensuring that children are given the best life experiences and outcomes, irrespective of their circumstances,” she said.

“In the future, I wish to do my Masters and also go into lecturing at Essex so I can give back to the University”.

Esther is now working as a Qualified Social Worker in a children and families social work team.

Read more of our Spring Graduates 2023 stories