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24 PHILANTHROPY MAGAZINEFinancial Aid Helps UKZN Students Realise their FULL POTENTIALThe partnership forged between the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) in 2017 has assisted more than 200 UKZN students to realise their academic dreams. Similar assistance is now also reaching students in other disciplines, including Commerce, Law and Engineering.ISFAP paid tribute to the graduating class of 2024, which consisted of 104 students from the CHS.Said Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the CHS Professor Busisiwe Ncama: %u2018ISFAP and the CHS are both driven by the philosophy of being socially responsive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ISFAP for helping so many of our students achieve their career goals. Many UKZN students come from impoverished backgrounds and ISFAP, through their holistic support, have helped produce the next cadre of healthcare professionals.%u2019ISFAP Chief Executive Officer Mr Werner Abrahams said that ISFAP%u2019s main goal was to motivate and encourage students making their way up the academic ladder to realise their full potential. %u2018At ISFAP, we ensure that we introduce you to a range of professionals in your field of study who will become your beacon of hope to help you realise your dreams. Further, we encourage you to be a pillar for the community, an outstanding citizen for South Africa and an impactful healthcare professional.%u2019Medical graduate and ISFAP recipient as well as the ISFAP class representative Dr Langanani Tshivhase, said: %u2018I was fortunate to be part of the first cohort of medical students to receive funding from ISFAP and realise my dream of becoming a medical doctor. I want to thank ISFAP, its donors and UKZN for making this possible. I aspire to make you proud and pay it forward by supporting other students. I also promise to provide quality healthcare to the community.%u2019CHS student counsellor Ms Suzanne Stokes had this strong message for the graduating class: %u2018During your studies, you create a fan club, supporters and a support structure who are active participants in your growth. It is a network of individuals who share your vision and passion for life. Let%u2019s celebrate with fans of ISFAP today by taking care of your mental health, which is an important step towards success in your personal journey.%u2019The CEO of Inanda Township Community Health Clinic, UKZN alumnus and beneficiary of ISFAP Dr Nosipho Mgobhozi, was an inspiration to the graduating class. Mgobhozi, who is from humble beginnings %u2013 her mum worked as a domestic worker and her dad was unemployed %u2013 runs a clinic and manages a staff of 30 doctors and more than 60 nurses.%u2018The sky is the limit. Make sure your journey doesn%u2019t end at graduation,%u2019 she said. %u2018We want you to come back and specialise. KwaZulu-Natal is feeling the pressure of a shortage of specialists, with patients having to wait six months and longer for surgery or chemotherapy. Being a medical doctor is not a career; it is a calling, so strive to be the best you can be to serve your communities.%u2019Regional Manager of ISFAP Mr Lindelani Duze said: %u2018We are grateful to UKZN for all the support we%u2019ve received since 2017. To the graduating class, this is the beginning of a new chapter. It is not the end of your journey. Make sure you show your patients love, compassion and kindness. We also want to encourage you to strengthen your knowledge in financial management as this is the key to your success.%u2019The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Class of 2024.DONORS