The Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Educational Trust provides a suite of scholarships for disadvantaged, academically excellent candidates to read for honours degrees.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to community involvement, leadership qualities and an ethical vision that resonates with the life, spirit and accomplishments of the late Archbishop.
This year’s awardees Mr Pranav Odyan, Ms Thandiwe Mokoena, Ms Kgomotso Matjoafi and Mr Thandokuhle Nkambule’s academic achievements and goals make them worthy recipients. They are currently pursuing Honours degrees in Psychology, Educational Psychology, Theology and Development and Education Leadership and Management, respectively.
While the recipients are spread over three UKZN campuses and have never met, they share the desire to work with their local communities in order to uplift and motivate using their skills and education.
Odyan is the first person in his family to attend university. He plans to pursue a masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology and volunteers at various organisations using his skill set to help people discover themselves and solve problems. ‘I aim to make a difference and create awareness about gender-diverse and transgender individuals and others who are marginalised,’ he said. He is guided by Mandela’s words, ‘‘It always seems impossible until it is done’’. ‘Receiving this scholarship means that my career is supported by those who saw potential in me for which I am grateful,’ added Odyan.
Based on the Edgewood campus, Mokoena is a full-time student who also plans to study further for her master’s and PhD. ‘This scholarship means more than just financial assistance; it signals that I am seen as someone with potential and therefore I have been given a chance to grow and improve,’ she said. She thanked her family and friends for their support, encouragement, and invaluable advice.
With a passion for mental health promotion and community development, Matjoafi hopes to be an agent of change within the communities in which she works.
Currently pursuing her Honours in Theology, she said, ‘This scholarship is an affirmation of my determination and hard work.’ She added that she will do her best to live up to the legacy of Archbishop Denis Hurley who she described as ‘a courageous man who fought against injustice and for the poor and marginalised.’
Nkambule is currently pursuing an Honours in Education Leadership and Management on the Edgewood campus and is proud to receive this scholarship as a means of recognition and validation.
