MSc Health and International Development student Ria Aihie shares her reflections on the Department’s first Cumberland Lodge trip of the academic year (11-13 October) which was themed around Health, Politics and Development.
Attending Cumberland Lodge was the perfect start to my studies at LSE, blending thought-provoking presentations with ample opportunities to connect with peers in a stunning setting. This trip offered a reflective atmosphere to discuss pressing issues relevant to the current development agenda.
Upon our arrival on Friday evening, the grandeur of Cumberland Lodge was immediately apparent, evoking scenes reminiscent of Downton Abbey. The warm welcome from the staff set a friendly tone for the weekend. During a delicious dinner, I engaged with fellow students my program and others from the Department of International Development, fostering a relaxed atmosphere that lasted throughout our stay.
The weekend kicked off with a compelling presentation by Dr. Lucia Berro Pizzarossa on ‘The Politics of Self-Managed Abortion.’ Dr. Pizzarossa shared her experiences and insights on this humanitarian yet politicized issue, sparking lively discussions during and after the session, which continued late into the evening at the Bar. I appreciated moments like this on the trip as it allowed us to share perspectives and challenge various ideas that would be relevant to our future studies.
Saturday began with another presentation by Chiara Chiavaroli on “Collaborative Video-Making as a Participatory Research Method.” Her exploration of environmental and maternal health paradigms, drawn from her fieldwork in Colombia, was gripping. The session concluded with a moving 20-minute video showcasing the impact of glyphosate and mercury pollution on native people in the region. Following this, Dr. Costi Torres led a session on Global Mental Health, examining mental health disparities in developing countries and highlighting a case study from a refugee settlement in Uganda.
The day’s final session delved into the ethics of disagreements, a topic that resonated deeply as it encouraged us to reflect on our approaches to conversations filled with diverse ideas and perspectives. In the evening, we enjoyed a fun-filled quiz night and rounds of karaoke in the Vault, providing a perfect way to unwind.
On Sunday, attendees had the choice between a service at the Royal Chapel or a walk in the Great Park with views of the famous, Windsor Castle. I chose to explore the grounds of Cumberland Lodge, discovering the beautiful scenery of the Great Cow Pound. The final session, led by Dr. Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, focused on access to emergency health services in Nigeria. His research on using technology to identify accessible maternal health facilities, especially in Benin City (home to my paternal roots), was particularly impactful.
Overall, the trip exceeded all expectations, offering an engaging platform to interact with speakers, academics and fellow students. It was a unique opportunity to engage with people who align with the core reason many of us are pursuing a Master’s degree: to explore and tackle critical world issues. This experience not only enriched my academic journey but also broadened my outlook, which I intend to carry forward throughout my year of study at LSE.
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and in no way reflect those of the International Development LSE blog or the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Image Credit: Ria Aihie
View Esperanza Hughes-Salinas’s photographs from the trip on Instagram.
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What a fantastic read! Having attended Cumberland lodge myself this is a perfect way to capture the essence of the trip. It was a transformative weekend with the best people.