THC student defies the odds to win bursary to go to university

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For those who think that some things are unattainable, they should draw inspiration from Jamil Livingstone Sekyanzi. Jamil has just finished the BTEC in Applied Sciences at Tower Hamlets College and is due to go to Queen Mary’s University in September. Not only this, but he has also been awarded a bursary by the Helena Kennedy Foundation.

Jamil’s achievement would be outstanding enough as it is but when coupled with what he has been through in the past, it is incredible. Jamil came to the U.K, from Uganda, as an asylum seeker in 2005. When he first came to the country he was only 17 and alone. As well as the trauma of having to claim asylum and without any friends or family here, he also had to undergo major surgery. He has had, since arriving in the U.K, around 10 operations. This didn’t stop him when it came to getting his qualifications.

He decided to go to Southgate College in 2006 to do English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics GCSEs. Despite his willingness to study, he had a major operation shortly after starting college, which meant that he was in hospital for two months. He couldn’t take his exams and therefore had to return the next year to start again. Nothing was going to stop him however! Jamil describes how, although he didn’t have much financially, getting his GCSEs was his number one priority: “I had to buy my books at Southgate. As I was an asylum seeker at the time I wasn’t allowed to work and therefore it was very difficult for me to afford them. I therefore had to sacrifice the small amount of money I had, which was meant for food and living, to buy them.” His operations too he would not let get in the way of his exams. “The day before my English exam” he recalls, “I was under general anaesthetic. The exam started at 9.00. I really couldn’t see properly – the exam paper was just a blur. I wasn’t well enough really to take it, but I did anyway.”

Despite this, Jamil managed to get his 5 GCSEs – an amazing feat. He wanted to change colleges however for his next step. He looked around a few but had heard great things about THC. “Lots of people I spoke to recommended the College to me, so I thought I’d have a look. I went to an open day and I really liked the feel of the place, so I enrolled.” He doesn’t regret the decision either. “Really, it was so amazing at THC. I have been recommending it to every person who asks me which college to go to. I have really benefitted from going here. My teachers have been great. Mike Hickey, one of my lecturers, has been particularly helpful. He really goes the extra mile for students.”

When Jamil found out he had a place at Queen Mary’s to do Biomedical Sciences, he was overjoyed but he was too late to apply for a student loan at this point and therefore he had to think how else he could fund his studies. “I heard about the Helena Kennedy Foundation through a friend. I was so eager to apply but when I found out about it, the application hadn’t opened yet. I think I was the first person to download the application form when it went up on their website! I wanted to get it in as soon as possible and the teachers and THC were so helpful in helping me do this."

It was then a waiting game for Jamil but it was all revealed in June this year when he received a letter to say he’d got it. The bursaries at the Foundation are very difficult to obtain. “Trustees were overwhelmed with applications for the bursaries available”, the Foundation commented “and it was exceedingly difficult to make choices.” They were very impressed with Jamil’s application however, saying, “The Trustee’s recognised Jamil’s difficult circumstances and were moved and inspired by the commitment and dedication he has shown in continuing his education. The trustees also appreciate the tremendous support that your college has given Jamil.”

Although he’s excited about starting his course, he doesn’t want his academic career to stop there. “Since I was young, I have always wanted to be a doctor. I am hoping that once I have done my degree in biomedical sciences, that I can go on to do medicine.” We’re sure that going on Jamil’s success so far, this will not stay a dream for long.

To find out more about the Helena Kennedy Foundation, click here.