Namik's story
As a child in Sri Lanka, Namik witnessed the impact of a doctor shortage during the brutal civil war.
“Hospitals were overflowing with the wounded and I felt the desperate need to help but, as a child, I couldn’t do much”.
Namik fled to Australia with his family, and both his parents worked hard at their low-paying jobs to support Namik and his sister.
Two strangers changed Namik’s life. John and Pauline Gandel’s donation to create a Scholarship gave Namik the chance to study at Monash.
This gave Namik the opportunity to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. “The ability to bring about a positive change in the lives of others is a huge motivating factor for me.”
Namik’s undergraduate degree was just the beginning and he was offered a place in the Doctor of Medicine course at Monash. This “incredibly satisfying moment” gave him the opportunity to realise a long-held dream.
The Gandels’ hope is that the Scholarship will create a platform for exceptional individuals to contribute their talent to creating a better world.
Namik hopes to use his qualifications and personal experiences in the service of others.
"Now I want to give back to the community who have given my family and I so much.”
Each year, alumni and donor support helps thousands of students, eligible for financial support, with access to a scholarship. Your help can enable young people to fulfil their potential. Your generosity means more students like Namik can realise their dreams.