After the breakdown of her marriage and a difficult divorce, Sofia* suddenly found herself homeless and caring for two very young children on her own. With her university more than five hours away and her finances stretched to the breaking point, continuing her studies toward a Master of Pharmacy degree seemed almost impossible. The charity’s bursary scheme became a turning point—offering not just financial relief, but the chance to rebuild stability, pursue her qualification, and create a better future for herself and her children. 

Finding strength to move forward

“I was facing a set of circumstances that would have been impossible to overcome without financial assistance. I am a single mother of 2 babies and I lived on one side of this country and my university was on the other side. I had just gotten divorced and following that, I became homeless and was really struggling financially and even emotionally. I had no idea how I was going to make it work financially. This bursary has relieved so much of the burden that I was carrying alone on my shoulders. I don’t know how I would have been able to finish my degree without the bursary and therefore I was facing the very real and heartbreaking possibility of being left without the qualifications I needed to become a pharmacist. As far as the impact it has had, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this bursary has altered the trajectory of my future and of course the futures of my 2 toddlers. They will get to see their Mother graduate this summer thanks to this bursary. Isn’t that amazing?” 

A vision for the future

“I hope to be the best pharmacist I can be and the best mother and example I can be for my babies. I’m not sure where we’re headed but I am hopeful – if I am armed with an education, I know I can conquer every battle that the future has in store for me. My hope is to gain my financial freedom and independence. From there, the possibilities are limitless. My daughters will never see a ceiling in their whole lives. Amen!”