Thirst for learning continues

“I MAY not have decided what I want to take on next but I know I will always have a hunger and thirst for knowledge.”

Those are the words of Dr Roshanthni Subrayen of New Germany, who graduated with a PhD in education at UKZN last Tuesday.

Subrayen, a manager for the disability unit and a supervisor for postgraduate students at the university, is also a qualified social worker.

She worked in the field for three decades. The 55-year-old, who now focuses on helping those with disabilities, said she chose to write her thesis on “equity, access and participation revisited - a gender perspective from students with visual disabilities and physical disabilities in relation to practice learning and student financial aid at an institution of higher learning”.

“I work with people with disabilities and it always bothered me how, once qualified, they go about in the outside world. For instance, how do they write on a chalkboard if they are visually impaired or how are they being treated by their pupils.

“I also looked at the different types of financial aid available to students and how it could benefit a student with disabilities.”

Subrayen, who took just over five years to complete her thesis, said although she was not sure what she would now do, she was certain she would continue with learning.

“Whatever I choose to do, I will continue my research in the disability field. I want to find out how we can make it easier for people with disabilities and how to bridge the gap between able-bodied people and disability people.

“I always feel people with disabilities are pushed away and excluded and I always wondered how they felt. I think wanting to help and making things comfortable for them while I was a social worker and even now at the university, has become an integral part of my life.”

Subrayen, who thanks her sons, Jady, 28, and Brenton, 25, for their encouragement and support, said her idols are Dr BT Naidoo and his wife, Dr Saras Reddy.

“They have been promoting awareness about disabilities for years. They are always at the forefront and are founders of some of the organisations that deal with disabilities. I know many disabled people in my life and their stories are not only inspiring but they are also amazing people.”