The University of Cape Town (UCT) proudly hosted the inaugural Health Collaborative Convening from October 15th to 17th, 2023, at the scenic Protea Hotel by Marriott, Waterfront Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town, South Africa.
People Directory
Our team is the heartbeat of our collaborative efforts, comprising diverse experts from various fields. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, uniting to drive innovation and impact in the health sector. Together, we are more than just a team; we are a community committed to transforming healthcare across Africa.
I am Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh from Ghana. I graduated from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where I was introduced to the broader discipline of Biological Sciences. Following my B.Sc., I served my mandatory National Service at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), where my interest in Public Health-related research was stimulated.
Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program, my goal of pursuing further studies has become a reality. I am currently taking an MPH in environmental health at U of T which completely aligns with my long-term career ambition of becoming a professor and a researcher in the field.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mastercard and the University of Toronto for their generosity in admitting and funding my colleagues and me. I haven’t done much with the program yet, but based on the quality of the tuition, it already appears to be highly beneficial. I am convinced that the time I am investing in this program will help me become an innovator in the field of environmental health.
One of the most enriching experiences was the opportunity to engage in a vibrant and diverse academic community.
The scholarship not only provided financial support but also opened doors to various academic and extracurricular activities that have enhanced my experience at the University. Networking opportunities with fellow scholars and professors allowed me to connect with leading experts in my discipline and gain insights into the latest developments in the field. These interactions were invaluable for both my academic and professional growth.
My time as a Mastercard Foundation scholar at the University of Toronto has truly been a transformative experience.
As a medical doctor from Ethiopia, I have gained a new perspective on healthcare and the ways in which it is viewed around the world. In Canada, I have been inspired by the idea that healthcare is a right, not a privilege to be earned, and I now dream of bringing this ideology back to my home country.
My name is Harriet Tunu Baraka from Kenya, and I am a Mastercard Foundation scholar pursuing a Master of Health Administration at the esteemed University of Toronto.
I got the award through my former school, Amref International University and this transformative journey has been incredible. The Mastercard Foundation team has been very supportive, and my transition to Canada has been seamless. This journey will not only equip me with the necessary leadership skills for the healthcare industry, but it will also make me expand my network and create lasting memories. I am very grateful.
My name is Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa. A Mastercard Foundation scholar pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto.
Being a Mastercard Foundation scholar in a renowned university has been an enriching experience that allowed me to explore my potential further and reach out for my dreams. As a graduate student, I have had a chance to partake in various programming and events that have enriched both my academic and social knowledge on numerous topics, such as cultural diversities, leadership, and more out-of-the-classroom knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am making the most of this opportunity and look forward to realizing my hopes and dreams for the healthcare sector.
My most valued experience as a Mastercard Scholar at UofT has been the profound sense of family and community.
It’s a journey filled with thrilling and exciting moments, but it’s the heartfelt love and unwavering support from fellow scholars and the Mastercard administrators that I treasure the most. Knowing that we have each other’s backs, no matter the challenges we face, is truly amazing. This tight-knit community has made my scholar journey unforgettable, and I will forever be grateful for the genuine connections and camaraderie that define our experience here.
My name is Jessica Kumah from Ghana. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship program at the University of Toronto, aligns perfectly with my newfound passion for environmental health. Thanks to this scholarship, I am in the process of realizing my purpose, and the MPH-Environmental Health program at the University of Toronto has exceeded my expectations. The comprehensive training that I am receiving has broadened my perspective and equipped me to address environmental health challenges. I am eager to give back to Africa and the world, using my knowledge and skills to tackle global environmental health issues.
I am grateful for the opportunity to study health informatics as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto.
This life-changing experience has challenged me to reach my full potential and has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most inspiring, intelligent, and supportive people in the world. I am confident that the experiences and relationships that I am building as a Mastercard Scholar will help me make a positive impact on the health system.
My name is Kuol Maper Alier from South Sudan. I am deeply honored to be a scholar of the Mastercard Scholarship program at the esteemed University of Toronto, currently pursuing Executive Master of Health Informatics program. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for this invaluable opportunity, enriching my education and connecting me with a community dedicated to global positive change.
I am energized by the prospect of spearheading the development and implementation of a digital health system in South Sudan. This endeavor holds the potential to alleviate the burden of chronic diseases, elevating overall healthcare access and quality. My aspiration is to leverage my education and experiences, collaborating with healthcare stakeholders and technology experts to create a sustainable solution to advancing digital health systems in South Sudan.
Receiving the scholarship has been a transformative experience for me.
What I value most about it is the access to invaluable information that has made adapting to life as an international student remarkably easy. The constant support I receive from the scholarship program is truly remarkable; it’s as if they anticipate my needs before I even realize them. Moreover, the connections I’ve been able to make through this opportunity have enriched my academic and personal journey. It’s a testament to the scholarship’s commitment to my success, and I am incredibly grateful for the doors it has opened in my life.
