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18 PHILANTHROPY MAGAZINEM%u00e9rieux NutriSciences (MXNS), a global leader in food safety, quality and sustainability, has partnered with the UKZN Foundation to offer bursaries to deserving medical students at UKZN. This shared commitment will empower the next generation of leaders, particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.Ms Janice Adams, HR Officer at MXNS, expressed the company%u2019s dedication to supporting education. %u2018We understand that through education, we are able to empower our youth to become future leaders and responsible citizens in our community,%u2019 said Adams. She emphasised that %u2018financial challenges should not stand in the way of talented students pursuing STEM careers.%u2019The bursary programme is the start of a long-term collaboration between MXNS and UKZN. Adams highlighted the company%u2019s enthusiasm for exploring further engagements with the University. %u2018We look forward to continued support for education, and this bursary programme is only the first step toward broader collaboration with UKZN,%u2019 she said.In addition to financial assistance, MXNS actively engages with bursary recipients throughout their academic journey, offering internships to 10 students each year at various MXNS branches. This hands-on experience provides students with practical industry skills, complementing their academic learning.M%u00e9rieux NutriSciences Partners with UKZN FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT MEDICAL STUDENTSMr S%u2019Khona Letsipa, a final-year medical student.Several former bursary recipients have gone on to secure employment within the company, showcasing the success of the partnership between MXNS and UKZN in creating pathways for young graduates to enter the workforce and contribute to the industry.Mr S%u2019Khona Letsipa, a final-year medical student and bursary recipient at UKZN, is grateful for the financial relief provided by MXNS and the UKZN Foundation, highlighting how it helped him focus on his studies without the added stress of tuition fees. %u2018Higher education in South Africa is costly and adds to the stress of students. Receiving financial assistance relieved the burden of how I would pay for tuition fees, allowing me to have a positive mental state,%u2019 he said.As he approaches the end of his medical studies, Letsipa is excited about the future and passionate about rural health and paediatrics. %u2018I want to work in public health and help people in rural areas to access good healthcare. I%u2019m also passionate about child health, and I see myself specialising in paediatrics. The future holds a lot of possibilities, and I am excited to see what happens,%u2019 he said.Letsipa%u2019s message of resilience to fellow students is to, %u2018Never give up on your dreams, and even with the challenges you may face, remember that your ultimate goal is to finish the degree. Your hard work will pay off in the end %u2013 never let go and never give up.%u2019DONORS