Dream becomes reality for the lucky 30
THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health will be making the dreams of 30 young people a reality.
It has provided R20 million in funding for the students to travel to the Manipal University in Jaipur, India, to study towards a B Pharm (Pharmaceutical) degree and a BSc degree in Medical Imaging Technology ((ultrasonography).
The students' flights, accommodation, tuition fees, study material, medical care and allowances have been made possible courtesy of the provincial department and private sector sponsors.
They are Rand Merchant Bank and the South African division of Indian pharmaceutical company Cipla.
Most of the students come from impoverished backgrounds and could not afford a university education. The group will depart for India today (Wednesday).
Three pharmacy students are overwhelmed that their dreams of pursuing their tertiary studies will become a reality.
Michaela Sewcharan, 20, of Phoenix, matriculated at Solvista Secondary School in 2012.
“I was accepted to study toward a Bachelor of Science degree in medical science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. However, due to financial constraints, I had to terminate my studies and seek employment in the first semester of 2013.”
She worked at a luggage store at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Sewcharan said her parents were divorced and her mother was the breadwinner.
She said her dream was to obtain a B Pharm degree and work to provide in her household.
“I also want to travel around Africa to help those living in rural communities, who don’t have access to medical care and medicine.”
Sewcharan said the opportunity to study abroad meant she had a second
chance to fulfil her dream.
Chryseis Ponnen, 18, of Port Shepstone, matriculated at Marburg Secondary School in 2013.
“My parents are currently unemployed and we live with my grandfather, who is retired and a pensioner. I work part-time as a sales assistant at a clothing store and try my best to help my family financially.
“I have found it extremely difficult to gain acceptance into university because of financial circumstances. I could not afford to pay the application and registration fees. Another problem was that I did not have money for transport costs.”
Ponnen said she had one goal and that was to make a difference in the country.
“I'd like to become an influential person, with authority. I want to be a role model and a hero that others can look up to. I want others to know that anything is possible. I want to be that person that gives the world hope.”
She described the chance to study in India as being an opportunity in a lifetime.
“This will mean that I am breaking the cycle that my family has found themselves in.”
Anna Celest Singh, 18, of Phoenix, matriculated at Greenbury Secondary School in 2013.
“My parents are divorced. I do not have any contact with my dad and he does not pay any maintenance. My household is run by my mother and my brother is currently in Grade 9. I applied to the local universities to study pharmacy but my application was unsuccessful and also, due to a lack of money, I was unable to study in a private university. I also applied to study medicine in Cuba through the South African bursary programme but due to budget cuts I was unable to go.”
She said her dream was to become successful and help others.
“By studying pharmacy I will have a chance to help people.”