THE MADRINHA TRUST
SCHOLAR MENTEE AWARDS

JANIA GEOGHEGAN
GLOBAL SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD 2025

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 trying to complete his medical degree whilst in Gaza during the current conflict and intense bombardments and displacements, whilst working on his finals in war torn Gaza. Despite / in spite being made homeless and having his laptop taken, somehow Salama has managed to achieve over 85% in his academics and has kept going by using his phone, borrowed equipment and intermittent internet connections. The added stress of funds not being able to get 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 so that Salama can complete his final medical exams this year. Salama had almost given up hope many times but has hung onto his mentor, Dr Anjum, the Madrinha Trust and The Hanoon Foundation plus the other Gaza alumni and is managing to get through this terrible ordeal and will be graduating this year.

S-J Heany, COO

EXCEPTIONAL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCE
AWARD 2026

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.

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

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR
AWARD 2026

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

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

YOUNG ACHIVER IN ENGINEERING
AWARD 2026

Madrinha Trust's Young Achiever in Engineering Award celebrates emerging 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 is a job that carries a huge amount of responsibility and leadership. We wish him very well in his bright future.

S-J Heany, COO

FUTURE LEADER
AWARD 2026

Madrinha Trust's Future Leader Award recognises scholars who exhibit visionary leadership, initiative, and potential to drive change in their fields and communities. It highlights those whose actions already inspire others in their field and 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