THE MADRINHA TRUST
SCHOLAR MENTEE AWARDS

Salama - Medicine, Palestine

Madrinha Trust's Jania Geoghegan Global Scholar of the Year Award honours the most exceptional scholar across all disciplines, celebrating holistic excellence in academics, leadership, community impact, and embodiment of the Trust's values. This award spotlights top performers for their transformative influence and inspirational leadership qualities.

The Madrinha Trust and the Hanoon Foundation are delighted to be recommending Salama for this year’s Gold Award.

Salama has been endeavouring to complete his medical degree during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He has continued working on his finals in spite of enduring intense bombardments and displacements. Despite being made homeless and having his laptop taken, somehow Salama has managed to achieve grades of over 85% and has kept going by using his phone, borrowed equipment and intermittent internet connections. The added stress of not being able to get funds to the Dean on time, also put his finals in jeopardy. The Hanoon Foundation and the Islamic University of Gaza (now on-line) worked tirelessly to overcome all these administrative obstacles to ensure that Salama will be able to complete his final medical exams this year. Salama had almost given up hope many times but with the support and encouragement of his mentor, Dr Anjum, the Madrinha Trust and The Hanoon Foundation plus the other Gaza alumni, he is managing to get through this terrible ordeal and will be graduating this year.

S-J Heany, COO

“Hi everyone,

My name is Salama and I am a final-year medical student at the Islamic University of Gaza. Standing here today is not simply a personal achievement—it is a story of perseverance, faith, and survival. For the past three years, I have pursued my medical education under the harsh reality of war in Gaza—through displacement, destruction, loss, and continuous uncertainty. In the midst of these circumstances, I held firmly to one belief: that medicine is not only a profession, but a mission of humanity, compassion, and hope.

Throughout the war, I volunteered in the Emergency and Trauma Department at Nasser Hospital, where I stood beside wounded patients, witnessed unimaginable pain, and learned the true meaning of resilience and sacrifice. Those moments shaped me not only as a future doctor, but as a human being. Saving lives, even in the smallest ways, became my greatest purpose. I also had the opportunity to serve as a coordinator for medical missions from Rahma Worldwide Organization at the European Hospital before it was lost during this war. In addition, I trained many students and volunteers in Basic Life Support (BLS) and first aid because I believe that knowledge shared is another way of protecting life. Like many families in Gaza, mine paid a heavy price. I lost my eldest brother, my sister, my nephew, my aunt, several cousins, many dear friends, and even my family home. Yet despite all this pain, I never allowed myself to stop. On the very day I buried my eldest brother, I sat for my final examination in Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery. Not because it was easy, but because I believed that continuing forward was itself an act of strength - and perhaps, a form of resistance.

Today, receiving The 2026 Jania Geoghegan Global Scholar of the Year GOLD Award is not only an honor for me; it is a symbol of hope. It reminds me that even in the darkest moments, light can still find its way to us.

I am deeply grateful for your continuous support throughout my journey in medical school. Your belief in me gave me strength when circumstances tried to take it away. Your support was not only financial or academic -it was human, moral, and life-changing. I accept this award with pride, humility, and responsibility. I accept it for my family, for my mentors, for every patient whose pain taught me compassion, and for every student in Gaza who continues to chase knowledge despite the impossible. Most importantly, I accept it for Gaza—for a place that taught me that even under ruins, hope can still grow.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you very much.”
Salama, Final Year Medical Student, Gaza, Palestine

Mbalenhle - Medicine, South Africa

Madrinha Trust's Exceptional Academic Performance in Science award celebrates scholars who excel in scientific fields through top grades, innovative research, and practical application. This award is presented to scholars studying medicine and science. As a future doctor these strong skills in research, analysis, and innovation have set a great example of excellence.

The 2026 Exceptional Academic Performance in Science Award goes to Mbalenhle, our final year Medical degree student.

I am pleased to nominate Mbali for this award. As a final year medical student, she consistently demonstrates initiative, resilience, and a strong commitment to excellence, actively seeking opportunities to grow both clinically and academically. With her dedication, integrity, and compassion, I am confident that she will excel as a future leader in medicine and will continue to make meaningful contributions to the profession.

Mentor, Sophie Ghandi

Nhi Dao Thi Yen - International Business, Vietnam

Madrinha Trust's Outstanding Contributor Award recognises scholars who demonstrate exceptional dedication, impact, and selflessness beyond academics. This award highlights perseverance, leadership, and giving back to the community.

The 2026 Outstanding Contributor Award goes to Nhi, our final year International Business degree student.

I'd like to put Nhi forward for the Outstanding Contributor award. Nhi is in her final year of an international business degree and working with Nhi has been a very rewarding experience and I've seen how much she values being an active part of her community. A key highlight for me was the work she did to support Saigon Children with their summer programme, providing activities for her fellow students, getting stuck in with planning and genuinely wanting to make their experience an incredible one. Alongside this Nhi balances the demands of her studies with professional internships, always showing dedication and a strong work ethic. Nhi has made valuable contributions not only to her community but also to her academic life, demonstrating her kindness, passion and determination. I know that she will achieve anything she sets her mind to!

Mentor, Darina Selley

Thang - Marine Navigation, Vietnam

Madrinha Trust's Young Achiever in Engineering Award celebrates emerging star engineering scholars who demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, and early-career impact despite challenges.

The 2026 Young Achiever in Engineering Award goes to Thang Ngoc Nguyen, our final year degree student in Marine Navigations/Ship Control and Management.

Thang has demonstrated dedication and aptitude throughout his three years as a Madrinha scholar. He has achieved excellent academic results, grown in confidence, and shown strong determination to pursue the career of his dreams. A career in Marine Navigations and Ship Control Management carries a huge amount of responsibility and requires strong leadership skills. We wish him a very bright future.

S-J Heany, COO

THEOPHILIA - Medical Sciences, Ghana

Madrinha Trust’s Future Leader Award recognises scholars who exhibit visionary leadership, initiative and potential to drive change. It highlights those whose actions already inspire others in their field of expertise and within their community.

The 2026 Future Leader Award goes to Theophilia, our final year degree student in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Theophilia is an inspiring mentee who not only strives to develop herself by identifying opportunities to grow her own skill set, but also seeks opportunity to lead, represent and develop others; for example, standing for, and being elected, the 14th General Secretary of the University of Ghana Medical Laboratory Science Students’ Association. It’s a pleasure to nominate Theophilia for this award and I am confident that she will both champion, and advise, others admirably in the future.

Mentor, Mark Telling