By Promise Dube
A 20-year-old biomedicine student from Bulawayo, Rutendo Kahari, who has been admitted to a top university in the United States, desires to use biotechnology to change Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and lessen Africa’s high illness burden.
Kahari, who has always had a strong interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), has been accepted at Baylor University in Texas, to pursue her dream of becoming a biomedical researcher.
Her dream is to use the potential of emerging science to reduce Africa’s high disease burden and promote health equity, a mission which was inspired by her late father, who was chronically ill for ten years.
“My African upbringing combined with my mother’s unwavering support in providing the best education to my siblings and I, has dared me to desire to pursue my university studies in the US,” Kahari told CITE.
Kahari said her academic journey will expose her to cutting-edge research projects that will have a positive impact in Africa.
“The environment will promote cultural diversity, offers hands-on biology programmes that complement my academic interests. Another opportunity offered is a mentorship with professors who are passionate about global health and support growth,” she said.
“As I transition into college, this is a place I would love to call home.”
Kahari stated she is looking forward to learning about the importance of critical innovations in the history of medicine and intends to do this through the rich research experiences offered in the US college she will be attending.
“At the same time, I am gaining mentorship from established professors. Such experiences will help me understand how fields of science can provide solutions to tropical and infectious diseases that burden the African content such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), malaria, cholera and many more,” said the STEM student.
She is also convinced that her academic path would propel her desire of becoming a biomedical researcher to new heights by providing her with the knowledge she will need in the future, when she intends to lead healthcare reform in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
“My aim is to work alongside developing communities to enhance their strengths and suggest solutions for their limitations in healthcare without imposing or erasing their traditions,” Kahari said, noting that there were serious gaps in Africa regarding the evolution of science.
“Science education in Africa is lacking in many ways,” she said, adding that she wants to use her research to popularise science and build capacity for scientific research, using her newly acquired scientific skills.
Kahari also stated that her other aim was to encourage more students, particularly those from similar situations to hers, to take the leap and follow their academic goals without regard for finances.
As a result, she created a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to help other academically brilliant but economically marginalised students.
“My fundraising efforts are a testament to the power of community support and the impact of crowdfunding platforms. Not only will my story inspire others to pursue their education, but it also highlights the importance of accessible and affordable higher education for all,” Kahari said.
The campaign is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/college-tuition-for-a-young-african-woman
