"The five hundred dollars award came by surprise but the first thing on my mind was to invest in it in my future big project that’s under plan for the moment. I have had the idea in mind but I was still sorting out funds to get me started right away, fortunately with the quick bonus awarded I can now start small. My long-term goal has been to start my own diagnostic centre in the next five years. The centre will be located at Tegeta in Dar es salaam, Tanzania and apart from diagnostic medicine it will also deal with prevention of non-communicable diseases". Sarah Matuja, MD5, Bugando University College

"Receiving this award has not only made me proud of myself but restored the confidence in me. At one point I was about to quit; I wasn't sure if I could go through with this; but this award has increased my confidence and strengthened my resolve to get through medical school and be “someone” in life. The award is a reminder to me that if I persevere long enough; good things will happen and it is also an incentive for me to work harder and achieve much greater things in life". Mwanahija Omar, MD3, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University

"It means a lot to me, seeing our own people giving out and helping the country and its people progress. Having said this, I am proud of Maendeleo, and I wish them all the success in continuing this kind act of giving for the years to come. I have decided to give the prize money to two orphanages in Tanzania, because these children have the right to get the best, be it education or healthcare.

I ask myself many times, what does it mean to become a good doctor? Every day, the classroom, ward experiences, and patient encounters all offer something new to learn. Be it medical knowledge, service for others, or the selfless act of giving. Mungu abariki Maendeleo." Zohra Damji, MD2 Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College