Quick-witted and accomplished, UKZN staff member Ms Thobile Sibiya, has been awarded a Master’s degree with merit in Special and Inclusive Education from the University of Nottingham in England.

Sibiya believes that with determination, dreams and goals are achievable.

With the broad student body at the University of Nottingham filled with academically gifted individuals from all over the world, studying in the UK turned out to be increasingly competitive which kept Sibiya giving of her best.

Being far away from her family complicated things and she missed not being able to visit them whenever she wanted to.

However, one of the most rewarding experiences during her time there was assisting colleagues struggling with the English language. ‘Witnessing their progress and ultimately graduating from the programme was a significant highlight for me,’ she said.

Sibiya thanked her family, especially her parents, for their unwavering support and the opportunity she had to study abroad. ‘Their encouragement, along with that of my friends, siblings, and the community from my church, was invaluable, and I am forever grateful.’

Offering encouragement to her fellow students, she said: ‘I implore you to be ambitious and put yourself in a position to take advantage of the possibilities you desire rather than limiting yourself.’

Sibiya is currently employed as a lecturer in UKZN’s Educational Psychology Discipline, ahead of starting on a PhD in the same field. ‘My aspirations include personal growth, and my ultimate dream is to establish my own inclusive school,’ she added.