LOCAL BURSARY HELPS STUDENT PURSUE DREAM
Exposure to the medical world at an early age, through her father’s active role as a first aider in the Genadendal community, cemented 19-year-old Dawn Abrahams’ decision to become a doctor at just nine years old. Now, almost halfway through her second year of study, Dawn is turning that lifelong ambition into a reality as a beneficiary of Klipheuwel Wind Farm’s community bursary programme.
Awarded the bursary at the start of 2025, Dawn is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at Stellenbosch University. She is among five beneficiaries of this bursary programme to have studied towards the same qualification, alongside others in similar disciplines such as dentistry and radiography.
“I initially wanted to be a police officer, but assisting my dad during medical emergencies sparked my interest in medicine. This interest became even stronger when I was about nine years old, after witnessing a local police officer with a severe head injury who, at the time, was unable to receive immediate medical attention,” she said.
It is clear that Dawn’s calling to pursue medicine comes from being raised in a close-knit family committed to serving others. In addition to her father’s involvement in community first aid, her brother also works in the medical field and her mother cares for the elderly.
“The bursary has meant a great deal to me and my family. It has given us all hope that the dream I’ve had since primary school is truly possible and achievable,” added Dawn.
Looking ahead, she remains open to exploring different specialist fields but has a strong desire to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Once qualified, she hopes to return to her community to make a meaningful impact, using her specialist surgical skills. “I definitely see my future as a doctor here in South Africa. I would love to work in the Overberg region and give back to the communities there.”
“To support a young person that shows such passion and commitment to helping others and her community is very encouraging for us. We can’t wait to see what Dawn achieves in the future and look forward to following her journey as she works towards becoming a doctor,” said Sinovuyo Choco, Economic Development Specialist at Klipheuwel Wind Farm.
Since its inception in 2016, this bursary programme, which covers tuition, accommodation, travel and study materials, has supported students from Genadendal, Caledon, Grabouw, Botrivier and Hermanus, investing not only in education, but in the future of these communities.