Caroline Imalingat, Valedictorian
Princess Zahra Aga Khan, distinguished guests, The Aga Khan University fraternity, honoured faculty, proud parents, and the graduates of 2024:
Good morning, all.
On behalf of the graduates of 2024, I would like us to observe a moment of silence to honour the memory of our founder and Chancellor His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. <silence>
May His soul Rest in Peace.
I would like to acknowledge the Office of the Academic Registrar, the Office of Academic Coordinator, for giving me the honour to deliver this valedictory speech to you.
My name is Imalingat Caroline, representing now the graduates of 2024. This is a very special day for all of us. Looking at how far we have come, it has been a long journey. And I thank the Almighty God for taking us through each step of the programme, to get us to this day. They say, congratulations! Today, the regalia had to be worn, by all means.
I sincerely thank our dedicated faculty for their unwavering support throughout our journey. You have challenged us to think critically, to dream big, and to believe in ourselves. Our gratitude goes to the non-teaching staff, including the Registrar, the office of finance, the librarians, and support staff, for their invaluable contributions. Special thanks to our employers for permitting us to study and to our family, relatives, and friends for their sacrifices and support, which made our journey a success.
When we joined Aga Khan University, the first thing they told us, you will not attend burials of distant relatives, you will not attend weddings. It was hard to believe, but we went by that. And that came from our faculty, Dr Cliff.
Our special thanks to the late His Highness the Aga Khan IV for establishing Aga Khan University in Uganda, which has significantly impacted nursing through education, research, and advocacy. This has not only enhanced the county’s education landscape but has also contributed to the development of true leaders and change-makers. We are also grateful to Aga Khan University for providing us financial assistance. In my own story, I joined Aga Khan University with all hopes that I will be sponsored. The tuition fees scared me, but I said, I am going to be sponsored.
We still thank Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kiruddu Hospital, and State House, and our respective employers for their financial support.
Our journey at Aga Khan University started in August 2022. It has really been long. With a blended learning approach, we were able to balance studies with work, while interacting with our international peers, as you heard we have graduates from Tanzania, Kenya and Pakistan. This programme’s diverse teaching method, enhanced our professional growth and allowed us to implement real-world changes. Additionally, the course strengthened our leadership and research skills, essential for today’s nursing profession, making Aga Khan University truly special.
Today we celebrate our achievements, our perseverance, and our strengthened commitment to the noble profession of nursing and midwifery. As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I encourage you to remember that the true measure of your success will not be in the degrees we hold, but it will be in the lives you touch, the care you provide, and the compassion you show.
As you step forward in your nursing journey, you will face challenges like struggling patients, worried families, and flawed systems but you will also encounter moments of joy and transformation. As Aga Khan University graduates, you are part of a global community and change agents as you have been trained to think critically, solve problems creatively, and lead with compassion and integrity.
I urge you all the graduates of today to make a positive impact in the world, advocate for the rights of the marginalized community, and pursue further education and research in nursing.
May the legacy of our Founder and Chancellor, who is late, continue to inspire and motivate us to strive for excellence.
Thank you so much.
RELATED LINKS
