In 2022, we piloted the Shakira Choonara Young African Scholarship Award. The scholarship is an investment in young people a thriving Africa and African excellence. The first awardee, Ms Goitsemodimo Ditsele graduated with a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Botswana in 2022.
The Shakira Choonara Young African Scholarship Award will be awarded each year to a deserving final year student at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level (Honors, Masters, PhD). The scholarship supports final year tuition fees for a disadvantaged student. The student must be pursuing a university degree and have a track record of academic excellence (70% or more in the current and previous years of study). Studies in the broader development field will be supported, desirable fields include health sciences and gender studies.
About Shakira Choonara
Dr Shakira Choonara is a multi-award-winning public health practitioner, bold activist, 2017 Woman of the Year in Health in South Africa (SA), Destiny Magazines Most Powerful Woman under 40 in SA, listed as a 100 Most Influential Young African and the 2017 National Research Foundation of SA Next Generation Researcher. She is currently a Technical Specialist at the World Health Organization HQ supporting the Department of Health Workforce and Sexual and Reproductive Health and holds a concurrent role as the Thematic Lead on Bodily Autonomy and SRHR at UN Women HQ. She is widely recognized for her work on universal health coverage, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health rights and youth development. Dr Choonara is a former member of the African Union Youth Council and AHAIC Commission on universal health coverage in Africa. Dr Choonara is currently appointed to the second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing and is a Board Member for AMREF Health Africa and Youth Health Africa. Dr Choonara is an all-rounder, a powerful public speaker, facilitator & MC, a budding actress, shares travel stories through her brand Travel Guru Life, is extremely passionate about the betterment of the African continent, a dynamic social entrepreneur and a yogi.
Benefits of Shakira Choonara 2023 Young African Scholarship Award
The scholarship supports final year tuition fees for a disadvantaged student.
Qualification Requirements
- Youth between the ages of 21-35 years-old
- The applicant must be a citizen of any of the 54 African states
- The applicant must be in the final year of studies (undergraduate or postgraduate) at an African university
- Demonstrate financial need i.e. require the scholarship to settle final year tuition fees in order to complete their academic degree
- A proven track record of academic excellence
We strongly encourage young women and youth from marginalized populations to apply. Only online applications will be accepted, incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The student must be pursuing a university degree and have a track record of academic excellence (70% or more in the current and previous years of study). Studies in the broader development field will be supported, desirable fields include health sciences and gender studies.
How To Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to Shakira Choonara on https://shakirachoonara.com/scholarship/ to apply