The Durban University of Technology’s International Education and Partnerships Directorate recently hosted a Celebratory Tea to honour this year’s Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Award winner Fathima Bibi Shaik.

The Celebratory Tea was held at the University’s ML Sultan Campus, Durban.

The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Scholarship offers selected university students and university staff of junior lecturer status a chance to visit the United Kingdom to partake in educational tours according to an approved programme.

Proud family, friends and colleagues gathered at this event to celebrate Shaik’s achievement. Speakers congratulated her for being awarded with the prestigious Bursary that is only awarded to a selected deserving few.

Dr Larven Samuels, International Education and Partnerships Senior Director, said the entire University is proud of Shaik’s achievement, adding that he hopes her journey would open doors for other DUT students abroad. He also urged her to network during her trip. “We want to take this opportunity to wish you well. I hope this is a beginning of a great career. I think is going to be a life changing opportunity for you. All I can do is to encourage you to really maximise the opportunity. Go there and build your confidence, and build your repertoire of skills,” said Dr Samuels.

Shaik said she would not have made it this far in life had it not been for her determined mother who has been supportive throughout her school life. “I would like to thank my mom for how she raised me. I don’t think I would have pulled through if she was not there,” she said.

–          Siphephelo Sibiya

Pictured: Fathima Bibi Shaik and Dr Lavern Samuels.