No obstacle too great for scholarship recipient
Monash South Africa
When Pinky Kegaugetswe Motsomi presents at the Access Monash seminar at Clayton later this month, she’ll have travelled a long way to be there – physically and figuratively.
A third-year Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Development and Criminology) student, Pinky is in Australia having been awarded the prestigious Krishna Khetia Scholarship. The annual award provides a talented Monash South Africa (MSA) student from a disadvantaged background with the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the Clayton campus.
MSA’s Community Engagement Manager Craig Rowe, said he was delighted that such a deserving and capable individual was awarded the scholarship.
“One of the main reasons Pinky was awarded this scholarship is because she demonstrated her potential of being a world changer and has impacted greatly on the whole community,” Mr Rowe said.
The community Mr Rowe refers to is Zandspruit, an informal settlement close to the South Africa campus. They rewarded Pinky for her efforts in working with them by nominating her for the scholarship.
Pinky said the scholarship offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to translate her vision into reality.
“My vision is to see a world in which government, civil society, caregivers and children work together effectively to realise a comprehensive social security package, which respects the dignity of all and makes children’s rights a priority by enabling grants, education, development, health care, food, nutrition and basic services.”
A mature-aged student, Pinky says the scholarship also reminded her that age is no barrier.
“I have realised that it is never too late to do something great. The team from Community Engagement at MSA helped me see that no obstacle, including working for your education, is ever too big to be overcome,” Pinky said.
The Krishna Khetia scholarship covers the semester fees, a small stipend, travelling and accommodation costs as well as providing the awardee with a book allowance and a laptop. It is funded by Monash University, MSA and Monash alumnus William Moore, who auctioned South African art in Australia to raise money for the scholarship.
Pinky was given the title of Most Outstanding Student for Child and Youth Development and the Leadership Award for being President of the Women's forum in 2010 by MSA.
‘Community Engagement and Social Inclusion’, an Access Monash Seminar will be held at Banquet Rooms, Building 10, and University Club, Building 50, Clayton Campus on Friday, 30 March 2012 from 9am - 1.30pm.
Pinky Kegaugetswe Motsomi will present with Craig Rowe from 11.20am - 12.30pm.