Kairuki 2017

My name is Ayubu Akida Mrash, I come from Chang’ombe Dar-es-salaam, I was born in Dar es salaam, I studied my primary school education at Yemeni primary school and my secondary school at Ubungo Islamic school and I went to Tabora school for my higher secondary education and currently I am second year medical student at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University.

Studying science was my ambition since I was young. I used to like this profession since I was taking my primary education. In my primary school I used to make efforts in science subjects because I knew that studying those subjects was a way to my goal. My way through here was to study and become a doctor material. Nothing is impossible under a willing heart and thus I passed my examinations and qualified to join HKMU for a medicine degree program, although it was not an easy journey it required body energy, support, advice, commitment and fortunately I have moved a step towards my goal. Am thankful to my God to help me reaching here where I am today and got what I never expected to get. I am also thankful to my parents, teachers for their honorable support and made me reach where I am. I am still in my track and I have never thought of changing my ambition.

I was very surprised when it was announced to me that I got Team Tanzania scholar award because while in my studying I never knew of this such a thing, and I didn’t know anything about Maendeleo fundraising efforts, I thank God for giving me this chance of winning Team Tanzania Scholar Award. It motivated me to work and study hard believing that there are external forces apart from myself and those which I know supporting me. My family and I are thankful to founders and donors of Team Tanzania scholar award for funding me this award in this academic year. They opened a door of confidence and try more to me.

During my studying, I never knew of Team Tanzania Scholar Award but after winning their prize I know it a bit well, it supports the medical students who have achieved high and best during their studies in their medical schools. I want to know it better. Obvious I like it and proud of it because it makes students active and study hard. Team Tanzania Scholar Award should be announced and become popular among students.

The roots of education are bitter and all the way through the process of learning were not easy but the fruits of education are sweeter being announced that I have won team Tanzania scholar award was among the sweeter fruits.

The major challenges while studying in HKMU is tuition fee and complexity of studies. Coping with university studies and programs was not easy and was a challenge to me.

After I graduate I want to perform my internship and serve the people in the society who needs service due to my knowledge and ability that I will have. I pray to God to do best in my studies and during my serving years. I want to treat, respect patients while serving them. Knowledge is learning new everyday and I hope after graduating I will keep on learning lots during my routine in daily life, working by doing is the best knowledge ever.

I sincerely thank all the people and organizations that have donated to Maendeleo and thus making Team Tanzania Award possible, may it long last and keep on motivating medical students all their way through. Thanks for your efforts and you will get more than that you are donating. Be blessed; thank you I am touched beyond the words. Thank you for your part in my journey.

My name is Raymond Stephen, an undergraduate student at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University. I was born in Dar Es Salaam City in Tanzania to a banker (mom) and an engineer (dad). Hence, from such a diverse background, there was never an expectation of me pursuing a doctor of medicine degree. Fortunately, upon being the last born and the only son, my incredible and most-phenomenal parents, actively stimulated my mind to work on becoming better and pioneering towards helping Tanzania become a better place in any sector I am passionate about. By being surrounded by a family of such positive energy, I could see myself being part of something big —bigger than myself and grow both academically and socially, fueled by intellectual curiosity.

Upon completing my High School Diploma at Marian Boys’ High School in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. I commenced my undergraduate studies at HKMU in October 2015 right after the presidential elections. My interest in pursuing a doctor of medicine degree came as a motivation rooted in love for my country —Tanzania. I have seen the worst possible health conditions: from people dying of malaria to people dying of cancer. All these people matter to me. As a doctor, I want to eradicate their sufferings and relieve them from the constant concern of their health. But such a big goal needs more prominent qualities: compassion, communication, empathy, determination, and optimism. Luckily, with the experiences offered at HKMU, I am learning how to communicate through classroom presentations, compassion, and empathy through clinical rotations as I encounter patients in the wards, etc. I hope to continue learning from these experiences for I believe with the HKMU education a doctor cannot only cure his/her patients but also care for them; make a connection with each as well as come with creative ways to care for them. I crave to be a doctor with broadened horizons, I await!

In the process of achieving my goal of being a well-rounded doctor, I have always taken the high road. I have always prioritized education, and this is the reason I am currently in the USA (taking a gap year) to explore different specialties in the medical field. Amidst of all the late nights and early mornings one evening I found out that I was the announced recipient of Team Maendeleo Scholar Award. I should say, I was stunned, it took a while to sink in, but then I enjoyed my moment of glory. It was a surprise for me to be the awardee, given the high standard and competition of my 200+ classmates. Thanks to God. This award certainly raised my morale and my profile locally. I couldn’t believe the number of people who came up to congratulate me. And I am still receiving congratulations four months on. I called my parents the next morning to inform them, due to the nine-hours difference from where I currently live. They grew up fast in the world of the delighted. Honestly, I don’t think I have articulated how impressed they are with my recent endeavors.

Nevertheless, I envision this award to be an excellent way to show appreciation for the students and their efforts, in addition to raising morale. My general opinion on the improvement of the selection process is the inclusion of both academic-related achievements and service to the medical profession, society, and community as the major criteria for selecting the awardees.

As an HKMU scholar, my primary challenge it is in the clinical years that one gets to feel the full force of being a medic. Despite the limited exposure that I have had until now I would say the most challenging thing to deal with at HKMU is the fact that no matter what you do you never feel that you have done enough. This isn’t because of the vastness of the course (which of course it is) but because of the physical, mental and emotional investment that one needs to put in. Like every university out there, HKMU is not much different on the fronts of friendship, love or hatred. We go through all that and more, but somewhere there is always this nagging feeling that I am not doing my best and perhaps that will cost someone’s life one day. Of which it counts to be a perfect reason as to why I’m indecisive as of today regarding my area of specialty. So if I announce I aspire to be specialized in a particular specialty right now, I not only deceive the audience but myself too. I don’t see myself fitting somewhere; I feel like I fit everywhere. And thus, upon graduating, I wish to be a pillar of my society: a strong patriot returning to the community that had raised me. Whether be it in pediatrics so that I can decrease the number of children suffering from malaria or in oncology so as I can manage cancer patients, especially of their chemotherapy treatments. Frankly, I have and will dedicate myself to serve others, always.

To crown it all, I am forever grateful to each individual who has contributed to Maendeleo organization and made Team Tanzania Scholar Award a reality. Personally, you have lightened my financial burden which will allow me to focus more on the most critical aspect of HKMU, practicing and learning. To me, a college education is more than just receiving a degree or walking across a stage. It is not only a symbol of hope to my family that anything is possible, but also it is a refuge to my community’s yearning for someone to make a significant change and break out a cycle of poor health. Moreover, your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their education goals just as you have helped me. For I have learned that without education society is stuck; stuck in the cycle of poverty, stuck only to repeat the struggles of the past.

I believe I am bankable and will be a lifelong asset to Tanzanians in the near future. My love for Tanzania is never-ending.

Thank you.

My name is Thureiya Mbarouk Khalid, a fourth year student at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University. I was born in Zanzibar on 27^th of April 1996. I am the second born in a family of four children. I attained my primary education at Zanzibar Progressive School, my ordinary level education at Kirinjiko Islamic Secondary School and finished at Baobab Girls Secondary School. In 2014, I joined my medical degree programme at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University.

Doing medicine was a dream come true, I was inspired by how doctors save people’s lives since my childhood and I said to myself that I wanna be like them in the future. I studied harder and passionately to attain grand results and proceeded to join Hubert Kairuki Memorial University to achieve my goal.

I was overjoyed and amazed upon receiving the “Team Tanzania scholar award” for the second time. Honestly it’s a grand achievement to me and my family. This award has boost up my confidence and encouraged me to work more harder.

The selection of the award is good so far, although it could have been better if they could expand it in providing postgraduate scholarships and more funds for students. This could help to tackle the problem of having few medical specialists in different fields.

Studying at Hubert Kairuki University was not an easy task at first. Adjusting and cooperating with different people was a bit challenging to me. Also the high costs of learning made it difficult for me, but thank God am now heading to the end of my degree programme.

Lastly, I convey my gratitudes to the founders and organizers of ” Team Tanzania scholar award “, May God bless you and the efforts you are making in supporting the health system in Tanzania.