Dennis

PhD in Public Health

Located in Renmark with Flinders University Rural Health SA, Dennis arrived from Ghana to commence research into health care in the aged disability sector only two months before COVID-19 hit.

An uncle in Ghana had pledged to support Dennis’ studies by providing money for accommodation and living expenses, but when his uncle’s business in Ghana collapsed due to the impact of COVID-19, Dennis was left without funds to pay for rent or food.

Dennis feared for the outcome of his brave decision to study in Australia.

His Flinders University supervisor swiftly stepped in to help secure a range of emergency accommodation, but this meant moving several times between addresses in the Riverland and Adelaide, causing major disruptions to his studies.

‘I had no immediate answer to how I could meet my daily needs,’ says Dennis. ‘I worried about how I could obtain toiletries and food.’

Securing a Matthew Flinders Scholarship meant that Dennis was able to buy food and pay for stable, shared accommodation in Remark, and has been able to return his full attention to studying.

‘Going forward, I now have peace of mind,’ says Dennis. ‘I am now confident I will be able to graduate within a three-year timeline.’

While Dennis has endured a difficult introduction to life in South Australia, he is greatly appreciative of the assistance he has received.

‘It has been a year of mixed blessings. I have faced difficulties but I have learned some very important survival skills,’ he says.

‘I have been humbled by the generosity of so many people to donate to the Matthew Flinders Scholarships. It makes me determined that one day I will also be able to make contributions, to help others who are in need.’