THE MADRINHA TRUST
SCHOLAR MENTEE AWARDS

Medicine, Palestine

GLOBAL ALUMNI OF THE YEAR
GOLD AWARD 2025

"Everyone has their own hero, and my hero is Jamal. Since the beginning of this horrible genocidal war and the atrocities in Gaza, Jamal hasn’t stopped working in hospitals for a minute! He has spent-and is still spending-all his time and effort in the ER and operating room, helping the injured and giving them hope despite everything.

Tired, exhausted, burnt out, sleepless, hungry, missing his family and friends, and devastated by the scenes he faces daily, he is still determined to resist and fight with his knowledge and skills to help his people.

Someday, we will see Jamal’s name among the greatest neurosurgeons in the world-I am sure of it.

I am so proud of you, Jamal! You are a role model for all of us. Please stay safe and strong.”

Mentor: Dr. Majd, Palestine

Special words from Jania, Founder

Jamal is an absolutely extraordinary young man. A pioneering, extremely talented neurosurgeon who has had to hone his skills under unimaginable conditions. As the war progressed he moved wherever he could help. His almost daily posts have been those of an unofficial war correspondent, showing the horrifying true cost of this David versus Goliath conflict. He has worked ceaselessly and yet through the fear and exhaustion he has shown endless compassion and kindness not only to his patients but to several lost or abandoned children who have wandered into the hospitals seeking sanctuary. I echo Dr Majd’s words - stay safe and stay strong - Jamal and his colleagues are in our hearts and prayers every day.

Medicine, Palestine

GLOBAL MENTEE OF THE YEAR
GOLD AWARD 2025

"Majed has proved himself to be an exceptional student with his commitment to the medical course, his application of knowledge gained in the field (a research project identifying factors for high blood pressure in the community). His ability to continue to get study aids, group learning when possible by zoom and keeping an open mind for his final career choice. To have done all this is testimony to his ambition and perseverance but to have done this with the background of a war in his own country shows exceptional achievement!"

Graham Whincup, Mentor

Bachelor of Speech Language, South Africa

JANIA GEOGHEGAN GLOBAL SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR
GOLD AWARD 2025

"Taymia is self directed, driven and committed to her studies. In our discussions about her clinical
Studies, she always came across as caring and compassionate and committed to doing the best for her patients. Taymia will make a wonderful
Speech and language therapist in whatever aspect of the job she finds herself in the future. I wish her every success and I am confident that her colleagues and patients will be fortunate to work with her and be cared for by her."

Lois McCluskey, Mentor