Heart Set On Higher Education
From a young age, Khadija Salim knew she wanted to be a cardiovascular surgeon. Her fascination with medicine began in primary school during an anatomy lesson. Khadija would spend hours studying how the human body functions and was eager to tell everyone about the importance of a healthy heart!
Khadija's passion and exceptional grades in secondary school led her to enroll in a 3-year Clinical Medicine Program at Chato College, from which she recently graduated. In reflecting on how far she has come, Khadija feels incredibly grateful for the support of her siblings.
“My older brother Daniel Nawe told me to always remember why I wanted to become a doctor and it won’t seem too hard. When I first got to school, I thought I might not make it through all my courses. But I remembered that my siblings had been through this, so I could get through it too” Khadija shared.
Khadija has spent the past few months helping out at our Rural Community Health Clinic alongside her sister, India Msee. “Having India with me has been so comforting. I have someone to lean on and inspire me to keep working towards my goals,” Khadija said.
Khadija is now in the process of applying to 5-year university programs to earn her degree. Although it is a long road ahead, Khadija is fearless in her determination to become a cardiovascular surgeon and make a difference in the lives of others. She embodies the drive, ambition, and compassion we aim to instill in all the children of the Rift Valley Children’s Village.
With only 5% of Tanzanians enrolling in higher education, we feel grateful that Khadija and her siblings have access to the opportunities they deserve.
Whether it has been walking Khadija to her first day of school or witnessing her graduate from college, we are honored to be there every step of the way as your support has helped turn her dream into reality.
To celebrate two decades of changing what life looks like for a generation of Tanzanians, we have launched a campaign to raise $200,000 by September. Every dollar given towards this campaign will be MATCHED by our Board of Directors allowing you to DOUBLE your impact today!
