Graduate hitchhiked to South Africa to make study dreams come true
"I am so proud and happy to be the first female in my family to complete a master’s degree."
RWANDAN national, Josiane Ayingeneye, hitch-hiked to South Africa to undertake her postgraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the School of Chemistry and Physics.
After finishing school with a distinction at Nyamasheke Girls’ High School in the Western Province of Rwanda, Ayingeneye pursued her undergraduate degree at the National University of Rwanda with an interest in biochemistry.
In 2012, Ayingeneye completed her undergraduate degree with honours in bio-organic chemistry. After reading about the excellent research facilities at the University KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Ayingeneye knew this was the institution she wanted to undertake her postgraduate studies.
With insufficient funds for an air ticket, Ayingeneye hiked from Rwanda to South Africa in 2015, with the help of good Samaritans, to undertake her postgraduate studies at UKZN. In addition to financial challenges, Ayingeneye could not communicate in English as her home language is French. Undeterred by these obstacles, she enrolled for her masters in science.
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The objective of her research was to synthesise useful alcohols by using a green solvent, and her results showed that the design of new processes, which replace volatile organic solvents, was a promising and positive response to environmental pollution and human health detriments.
“I am so proud and happy to be the first female in my family to complete a master’s degree,” said Ayingeneye. She thanked her husband, Antoine Ayinkamiye, who despite earning a low income, still managed to support her throughout her studies. During her studies, Ayingeneye was also blessed with a baby girl, named Dorcas Ishimwe Ayinkamiye.
“All this success could not be achieved without the hard work, patience and scientific guidance of my supervisor, Professor Vincent Nyamori. His invaluable support will stay with me in my heart forever,” said Ayinkamiye.
Nyamori, of the School of Chemistry and Physics said: “Despite all the obstacles she encountered, Ayinkamiye showed tenacity of spirit and made the 2018 list of graduates. I am very proud of her achievements. I can sum her journey as “Excellence is to do a noble common thing in an uncommon way’.”
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