Young Tongaat medical student defying the odds

Led by faith and inspired by tragedy, an 18-year-old Tongaat resident will soon live out the first step of her dream to become a doctor.

Abigail Naidoo was the only South African chosen to take part in an international programme aimed at teaching her the art of saving lives.

The former Destiny Life Academy pupil, who matriculated last year and is enrolled to study medicine in India, was selected by the Atlantis Global Innovating Health Organisation for a pre-medical internship, in which she will spend three months in Portugal, Croatia and Hungary, gaining first-hand experience from medical doctors in public hospitals.

She said spending a lot of time with her dad when he was ill in hospital had inspired her to reach out to people in need.

“My dad passed away about a week before I could write my matric trials. Losing him was painful and it made me want to help others improve their chances of living.

“These last few years have been quite a journey but I am thankful that God’s voice has remained constant. I prayed that he would direct my path and I believe that he did,” she said.

The young woman who spends most of her free time as a youth leader at the Encounter church in Seaward Estate, said the experience she would gain from the pre-medical programme would be invaluable.

Also read: Tongaat’s ‘Teezy’ sings from the heart

“The opportunity will not only allow me to gain knowledge and understanding but also an experience of the medical field that is truly rare. I will be alongside other students from different countries who all share a passion for making a difference.”

Naidoo said the programme would cost about $12 000, money that her family did not have. So far she has only collected R5000 and plans to leave at the end of April this year.

If anyone would like to make a donation, contact Abigail at abigailrnaidoo@gmail.com.

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