What Is Rotary?

Supporting the Next Generation of Global Healthcare Workers

At Christchurch Rotary, our international work is guided by Rotary’s Areas of Focus — from Basic Education & Literacy to Maternal & Child Health. One of the most meaningful ways we live out these values is by supporting students in low‑income countries who are training to become the healthcare professionals their communities urgently need.

This year, we are proud to sponsor Mary Tamvekenji, a nursing and midwifery student in Malawi, through the charity Medic to Medic. Her story is a powerful reminder of why Rotary’s international work matters.

A Scholarship That Changed a Life

Mary studies at Malamulo College of Health Sciences, where she has just completed her third semester. Coming from a family where education is often out of reach, she describes the scholarship as transformative. As she writes:

“Receiving this scholarship is not only a relief for me but a source of hope for my entire family.”

For Mary, the fear of being sent home for unpaid fees was a constant shadow over her education. Several of her siblings had already been forced to drop out of school. The support from Medic to Medic — funded by Christchurch Rotary — has lifted that burden and allowed her to focus fully on her studies.

“It has lifted a heavy burden and allowed me to focus on my academic goals without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees.”

Learning, Growing, and Serving

Mary’s third semester was both demanding and inspiring. She studied five core subjects, including Medical Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, and Principles of Education. Alongside this, she completed clinical placements at Zomba Central Hospital and Matawale Health Centre.

Her hands‑on experience brought her training to life:

“It was here that the theory from my textbooks came to life… I learned the profound value of compassionate communication.”

She assisted with patient assessments, medication administration, wound care, and child health — gaining the skills she will one day use to serve her community as a qualified nurse and midwife.

A Future Built on Hope and Determination

Mary’s gratitude shines through every part of her letter. She speaks not only of relief, but of renewed purpose:

“Medic to Medic… empowered me to fully immerse myself in my studies and clinical practice.”

She dreams of becoming a role model for her siblings and a source of support for others in her community. Her ambition is to give back — to pass on the same hope she has been given.

Why Christchurch Rotary Supports Mary

Through our International Committee, Christchurch Rotary aims to make a meaningful difference across several of Rotary’s global focus areas. Supporting Mary allows us to:

• Strengthen education in a region where opportunities are limited
• Improve maternal and child health through training future healthcare workers
• Create long‑term, sustainable impact for communities in Malawi
• Empower a young woman who is determined to uplift others

For just £1,000 per year, Mary receives tuition, accommodation, and essential support — a small amount by UK standards, but life‑changing for her and her family.

This is Rotary in action: local people making a global difference.

Find Out More or Get Involved

If Mary’s story inspires you, we’d love to share more about the work Christchurch Rotary does — both here at home and around the world.