Laila Assamo: a UKZN scholarship winner's journey towards clinical psychology
Empowering communities
Laila Assamo, centre, with her parents, Farzana Assamo and Mahomed Shaffee.
Image: Andile Ndlovu
IT'S a privilege to receive funding from UKZN’s 50th Anniversary Scholarship, says award winner Laila Assamo, currently in the third year of a Bachelor of social science degree.
Assamo attended Westville Girls’ High School in Durban where she received a well-rounded education that prepared her well to pursue her goals at UKZN.
The 50th Anniversary Scholarship, awarded by the university to outstanding senior undergraduate students from each of the four colleges, was established in celebration of the university's 50th anniversary.
Assamo aims to pursue both an honours and Master’s in psychology, ideally at UKZN.
“I hope to qualify as a clinical psychologist and subsequently contribute in the field of psychology through research and academia, in addition to clinical practice,” she said.
She aims to use her qualifications to uplift communities in her area and to help build a mental healthcare system accessible to all South Africans.
Assamo said she was fortunate to have enjoyed opportunities and resources, emphasising the importance of taking advantage of them and doing good for others.
She thanked UKZN for the award which had motivated her to achieve more and aim higher. Assamo believes hard work pays big dividends, and she has great expectations for the future.