Valedictorian
Sarah Dorcas Naluyima, BScM
Princess Zahra Aga Khan,
Distinguished guests,
The Aga Khan University fraternity,
Honoured faculty,
Proud parents and the graduating Class of 2025.
It is my pleasure to be representing the graduating classes of 2025.
This is a very special and memorable day for all of us. Looking at how far we have come, it has indeed been a long journey. I thank the Almighty God for seeing us through each step of the programme; to get us up to this day. Congratulations to all of us !!!
I take this opportunity to extend our deep gratitude and appreciation to our dedicated faculty for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Thank you for holding us to the highest standards of excellence to make sure we reach our full potential.
You have challenged us to think critically, to dream big, to be flexible and to believe in ourselves. Thank you.
Our gratitude goes to the non-teaching staff, including the Registrar, student affairs, finance, and support staff, for their invaluable contributions. A Special thank you to our employers for permitting us to study. To our families, relatives, and friends for their sacrifices, prayers and support, which made our success possible. We wouldn’t have done it without you.
Special thanks to His Highness, Aga Khan IV for establishing the Aga Khan University in Uganda. This has significantly impacted nursing through education, research, and advocacy. This has not only enhanced the country’s education landscape but has also contributed to the development of future leaders and change-makers.
We are also grateful to Aga Khan University for providing us with financial assistance and a marvellous cosmopolitan learning environment as you can all see. Our Sincere appreciation to our employers for their financial support and flexibility of service.
Looking back at our dreams years ago, to pursue our education, seemed like chasing the wind- Until the name Aga Khan University caught our ears and eyes and we made the choice to restart the quest for knowledge and wisdom here- And we here today.
Our journey as nurses and mid wives at the Aga Khan University started in August 2023. So really it’s been far.
With a blended learning approach, we balanced work and study. The program’s diverse teaching method enhanced our professional growth and allowed us to implement real-world changes. Our programmes have strengthened our leadership and research skills that are essential for today’s nursing and midwifery profession and also for doctors and communicators, making Aga Khan University truly special.
Today, we celebrate our achievements, our perseverance, and our strengthened commitment to our professions. As we stand on a threshold of a new chapter, I encourage you all to remember that the true measure of your success will not be in the degree you hold, but it will be in the lives you touch, the care you provide, and the compassion you show.
As we step forward in our journeys, we will face challenges including struggling patients, worried families, flawed systems but you will also encounter moments of joy, and transformation.
As Aga Khan University Graduates, we are part of a global community and change agents as we have been trained to think critically, solve problems creatively, and lead with compassion and integrity.
As Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, said: “Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift there is nothing small about it.”
This is my wish for all of us . Always remember that we will be making a difference each day in someone’s life – no matter how big or small. We will give our patients the ability to live their lives to the fullest. You will be a light in their lives during their darkness. You will be their hope and their guide. You will be there to comfort them when they are in pain and sorrow. I urge all graduates here, today, the graduand from the Medical college and from the Graduate School of Media and Communication to make a positive impact in the world, advocate for your rights and pursue further education and research.
May the legacy of our late Founder and our chancellor His Higness Prince Rahim Aga Khan continue to inspire and motivate us to strive for excellence.
Thank you.
