WHEN Nomathamsanqa Tholo left her native Zimbabwe in 2015 she had little idea what the future held for her.
Fast forward nine years and Noma (pictured) has just graduated with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Personalised Medicine from Ulster University’s School of Medicine.
In further recognition of her resilience and determination, she is also the 2024 recipient of the Allstate Northern Ireland Convocation Student of the Year Award.
Noma’s journey to academic distinction has been far from straightforward though.
She migrated to the UK in 2015 where she initially encountered financial barriers and limited opportunities. But she remained steadfast in her ambition to complete a degree in health sciences.
In 2017 she enrolled in a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Sussex but was forced to quit two years later due to a lack of financial support.
Disappointed but never defeated, she returned to Derry where in 2021 her perseverance was rewarded with a scholarship to study Personalised Medicine at Ulster University.
“Having to quit my course was a significant setback but the encouragement and support from friends and the wider community kept me focused on my goals.
DERRY GIRLS…Noma and her sister Priscilla in traditional dress in front of the famous Derry Girls mural.
“The scholarship from Ulster University was a life-changing opportunity, enabling me to continue my studies and achieve my dreams.”
DEAN’S LIST
Throughout her time at Ulster University, Noma demonstrated academic excellence, consistently earning a place on the Dean’s List for first class students. She took on numerous leadership roles, including president of the Personalised Medicine Society, Global Business Society and International Students Society. She has also acted as treasurer for the Women in STEM Society. Additionally, she served as the Restart a Heart Ulster University representative, BAME+ Network and Mind Your Mood ambassador and was class representative for the final year Personalised Medicine cohort.
Noma’s contributions extended beyond academics though. She collaborated on projects like Restart a Heart and developed outreach sessions for secondary school students, emphasising the importance of inter-professional collaboration in healthcare. Her leadership revitalised student societies, leading to nominations for Ulster University’s Students’ Union Awards. She also serves as a patient peer mentor and member of the Clarendon Medical Patients Committee, working to create programmes that help patients overcome isolation. Additionally, she supports children of all ages and abilities with English and maths studies at the Foyle Kumon Centre.
Noma graduating alongside her Ulster University course-mates.
“The collaborative environment at Ulster University has been incredibly enriching,” she said.
“The support from friends, course-mates, the student union and the university community has been instrumental in overcoming the challenges I faced. I am deeply grateful for the mentoring and opportunities that have shaped my journey.”
On winning the Allstate NI Convocation Award 2024, she added, “This award reflects the incredible support and guidance I have received from my lecturers, course directors, advisors and the entire Ulster University community. I am humbled and deeply grateful for this recognition.”
NEW CHAPTER
Noma’s graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter.
Recently selected for the National Health Service Clinical Entrepreneurs Programme, she is committed to developing innovative solutions in healthcare. As the Founder and CEO of Sustenance Development Consultants Ltd, she also aims to drive impactful projects in the education and healthcare sectors.
Throughout her academic journey Noma has remained a close ally of the North West Migrants Forum. In recent weeks Sustenance Development Consultants Ltd has delivered a number of training courses for our members including safeguarding, food safety and first aid.
“Thank you for believing in Sustenance Development Consultants and allowing us to provide services to your organisation. We look forward to doing more business with you,” she added.
Lilian Seenoi Barr is Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum.
Congratulating Noma on her achievements, Mrs Barr said, “We at the North West Migrants Forum have had the privilege of working with Noma through some of the activities organised by the International Students Society at Ulster University Magee campus.
“We are so proud of what she has achieved and we look forward to supporting her future endeavours as she continues to make a positive impact on the local community here in the city and beyond.”