We have received very good news and a heart-warming letter from Francoise Rubgega, who was awarded a grant in 2020 through South Africa Program. We wanted to share it with our donors and volunteers and feel proud together.
"Today I would like to celebrate a win…actually a great win for me.
I got my bachelors degree at the University of Botswana school of Medicine in October 2015, as the second group of graduands from the school. It was a very new school when we joined. I remember while the school was still being built, we had our lectures at Kgogolamoko House; a warehouse next to the bus rank. We were told by many that we will never be at par with the world, that we are trained to be retained in Botswana. Basically, that we had no future in the medical world. UB however , despite its limitations, taught us good medicine, it taught us the power of determination, discipline, hard work mentality as well as the skill and love for research. In 2019, I presented our first paper from UB (done by Dr Lone Bogwasi and I) at the Consortium for Universities of Global Heath conference in Chicago. Just on this note, to all UBSOM graduates, you are conquering the world!
In November 2018, 2 months into the reg programme, I started working on my MMED research; amidst adjusting to a new environment, a new country, new languages, a huge hospital and tertiary level or care. I think being a registrar is one of the toughest if not the toughest thing I have done, and being self-funded, away from home, makes it even tougher, but forward we go…
Today, as I share my MMED research (https://ihpublishing.com/documents/ogf-volume-31-issue-3/2/), looking back at where I came from, looking at how I have grown not only as a Dr but in all spheres, I give nothing but thanks to the All Mighty for carrying me through. I give thanks to God for helping me meet the right people who have supported me through this journey. I give thanks to God for my family, who have always been there for me. I give thanks to my supervisor and HOD Professor Soma-Pillay, my mentor Professor Dreyer, and the UP O&G department at large, for the support and always believing in me even when I didn’t.
I dedicate our work to the Margaret McNamara Educational Grants, a volunteer non-profit organization founded in the USA, who chose me as one of the 2020 South African grantees. This organization was founded in 1981 to honor Margaret McNamara and her commitment to the well-being of women and children in developing countries. Grants are provided annually to support the university education of women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children. I represented my country as well as the University of Pretoria, as one of the South African programme grantees. This grant came at a time where I was almost on the verge of giving up, thinking of going back home to work a bit and come back.
But enough with the sad story, lol! As the word of the Lord says, as you sow, so you shall reap. One day, which is not so far, I will be a great Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. My win is not just mine, but for all the lives I have touched, and those I will touch.
I don’t like referring to myself as “Dr,” but just for today, I say to you Dr Francoise Dudu Rubgega, ngwana waga Tendo le Nonofo ko Lobatse, you have done well and congratulations...
Now its time to finish strong ! Amidst all the battles you are fighting , finish strong !
Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, done dusted and published!
Amen and AMEN!"
Francoise Rubgega
