Creating safe environments for children as a Child Welfare Consultant

Name: Alice Muthua

Job: Child Welfare Consultant 

Study Programme: Global Development Studies

Completed studies at NMBU: 2015

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your current role? How did your career path lead you there?

Ensuring that children grow up in safe and supportive family environments is at the heart of my work. As a child protection consultant in Kenya, I am committed to improving outcomes for children by strengthening families and communities to provide sustainable care.

My career has been shaped by a deep passion for child welfare and community development, which led me to specialize in designing solutions that strengthen family care systems. I focus on empowering communities to protect and nurture children while building sustainable support structures for families.

My academic background in International Development plays a central role in how I approach this work. The field emphasizes understanding social challenges from a holistic perspective. In child protection, this means looking beyond the needs of individual children and examining how family dynamics, community resources, and government policies collectively influence a child’s wellbeing. This systems-based approach allows me to design interventions that address root causes and create long-term, meaningful impact.

What attracted you to your programme at NMBU?

I was initially drawn to NMBU by the diversity of its student body. I wanted to experience a multicultural environment and interact with students from all over the world. I was also impressed by the strong academic reputation and the high quality of education offered at NMBU, particularly the programme’s balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Additionally, I appreciated that many master’s programmes were offered in English, which made learning accessible for me as a native English speaker while still allowing me to engage with and learn from Norwegian-speaking classmates.

What was the most rewarding or memorable part of your studies?

The most memorable part of my studies was the field course in Tanzania. This experience was incredibly rich and rewarding. The lecturers and academic coordinator provided seamless support in planning and preparation, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in development work. It was eye-opening to engage with real community challenges and actively explore solutions. This practical experience helped me connect theory with practice in a meaningful way.

How did you experience the academic and social environment at NMBU?

My experience at NMBU was both academically and socially enriching. Cultural activities, diverse study groups, and exposure to multiple languages allowed me to learn about and appreciate different perspectives. The academic environment was supportive, offering spaces both for focused study and for enjoying nature on campus. I found the campus large enough to meet many people, yet small enough to form meaningful connections. Even the train rides to Oslo were memorable, always offering opportunities to reflect, socialize, and catch up with classmates.

How do you use the knowledge or skills you acquired during your studies in your current job?

My studies equipped me with skills that I apply daily in my work. I developed strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as the capacity to see the bigger picture in development work. I learned that development is not only about measuring progress through numbers, but about building sustainable systems that strengthen communities and families.

In my work, I apply these principles by supporting communities to create environments where children can grow and thrive within safe and stable family structures. Whether advocating for children’s rights, influencing policy, or supporting socio-economic empowerment initiatives for families, I draw on my academic training to design practical, evidence-based solutions.

The programme also deepened my understanding of how poverty, education, health, and social welfare are interconnected. This perspective helps me develop programs that address root causes of vulnerability, strengthen family systems, and reduce risks for children, ultimately contributing to stronger communities and long-term national development.

What further career plans do you have?

I plan to continue deepening my expertise in child protection and family-centred development, with a focus on designing and scaling sustainable solutions that strengthen family care systems in Kenya and globally. I am particularly interested in contributing to innovative programming, policy development, research, and cross-sector collaborations that advance child welfare and family strengthening initiatives.

I am also exploring opportunities to pursue a PhD to further strengthen my capacity to influence policy, generate evidence-based solutions, and contribute to thought leadership in child protection and family care. My long-term goal is to support the development of systems and practices that create lasting, measurable impact in the lives of children, families, and communities.

What advice would you give to current or future students?

Be curious and embrace every opportunity to learn, both inside and outside the classroom. Engage with your peers from different cultures and backgrounds, these interactions are invaluable. Take advantage of practical experiences like internships, because they allow you to apply what you learn in meaningful ways. Most importantly, trust that the knowledge and skills you gain will not only shape your career but also empower you to make a real difference in the world.