Cairdeas is pleased to be welcoming two new scholars into our scholarship program this year. The scholarship program has been a key part of our mission to improve the skills of ‘in-country’ health workers, allowing our partners to lead the way in improving access to palliative care in their home countries.

One of these new scholars is Vicky Jemimah, a long-standing volunteer with PcERC, our partner organisation in Uganda. Vicky will be undertaking a Degree in Social Work at Victoria University, Kampala.

Vicky wrote to the Cairdeas, expressing her appreciation for the scholarship, telling us about her plans to improve the lives of her patients through this degree, and introducing herself to our supporters.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the scholarship you've provided me to pursue my degree in Social Work and Social Administration. Your generosity has made a significant impact on my life, and I'm deeply thankful for your investment in my future.

I'm Vicky Jemimah, a dedicated social worker currently working as a volunteer social worker with the Palliative Care Education and Research Consortium unit in Mulago hospital since 2018. I got to join this wonderful team through my mum, who was a link nurse working under Mulago hospital, and I can gladly say it’s one of the most beautiful journeys I have experienced.

I am passionate about empowering vulnerable populations and advocating for those in need. I care for patients and their carers/families by providing physical and spiritual support and counselling them during difficult times.  My aim with this degree is to enhance my skills and knowledge in social work, ultimately improving the lives of patients and families I serve. I'm committed to applying the knowledge and skills gained from this program to provide more effective support and services to my patients, particularly in areas such as patient advocacy, counselling, and community resource coordination.

Vicky’s words are backed by her recommendation from Elizabeth Nabirye, the clinical lead of PcERC, who described Vicky as holding “an unwavering commitment to social justice and community development” and praised her work in research, advocacy and counselling, which “reflects a genuine dedication to improving lives and strengthening communities.”

Vicky continues, speaking on the impact of the scholarship to her, 

This scholarship comes at a pivotal moment in my life, bringing hope and renewed purpose after a challenging period of separation from my husband and marriage with our 2 lovely boys. The support of Cairdeas has not only alleviated financial burdens but also restored my faith in my abilities and future prospects. I'm grateful for the opportunity to focus on my studies, develop expertise in healthcare social work, and advance my career.

To the members and supporters of Cairdeas, thank you for believing in me and supporting my education. Your kindness and generosity will empower me to create a brighter future for myself and those I care about. Your contribution will have a direct impact on the lives of those I serve, and I'm grateful for your trust in me.

We would like to reiterate Vicky’s thanks to the Cairdeas supporters. Your donations allow us to run projects like the scholarship programme, making a difference to lives on the ground and further advancing the development of palliative care leadership in our partner countries. We wish Vicky the very best as she begins her studies and can’t wait to see her development as she progresses through the course.