by Jade Parker
Southwark Council has awarded eleven students with scholarships to help with their university education.
The students, (seven of whom are pictured, right) who are now studying a variety of courses, from law to physics and mechanical engineering to medicine, were chosen according to their contributions to Southwark as a community, as well as their academic achievement.
Recipients need to be living in a Southwark household where the income is less than £22,500 per annum to be eligible .
The council’s scholarship scheme is now in its fifth year, and has already supported 37 students since 2011 to attend university and study the degree of their choice.
Samantha Hunter, who is now studying Physics at Imperial College, said: “I am the first in my family to go to university and this scholarship means I will be able to concentrate fully on my studies and not have to worry about the financial aspects. Being awarded this scholarship has boosted my confidence, I feel very privileged and proud that Southwark is investing in me.”
Munirat Okesola, who is embarking on her degree in medicine at University College London, said: “Receiving this scholarship has given me immediate and long-term relief, with the imposed changes to the contracts of junior doctors, not having to worry about a loan means I’ll have more freedom to dedicate myself to my degree and deliver top quality care. I feel truly privileged for having received this scholarship and empowered to pursue a career in medicine. I have never felt more proud to live in Southwark.”