Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery

Freedom means something different to each of us. We sat down with some of our nursing students and asked them one simple question — what does Madaraka Day mean to you?

Here's what they had to say.

Happy Madaraka Day from AKU-SONAM EA.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Eid al-Adha Mubarak! ✨

Mutoni Suhamu’s path to graduation wasn’t easy, but her story is a powerful testament to determination, creativity, and the power of community support. As she prepares to graduate from the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM) in February 2025, she reflects on the journey that helped her overcome significant challenges.

Facing financial obstacles, academic demands, and a full-time job, Mutoni was unsure how she would afford her education. “I wasn’t sure how I would afford the tuition or the travel expenses,” she recalls. However, through strategic planning and her entrepreneurial spirit, she turned her passion for baking into a side hustle to help cover the costs. By saving diligently and balancing work, family, and studies, Mutoni was able to make her dream of studying at AKU a reality.

“I made sure to manage my time effectively,” she says, balancing her role at a local pharmacy and as a locum nurse at TMR International Hospital. This careful time management allowed her to stay on track with her academic performance while juggling multiple responsibilities.

Mutoni’s journey was also shaped by the support system she built. “We helped each other stay motivated, shared study tips, and reviewed each other's work,” she reflects. The collaborative spirit among her peers was invaluable, helping her stay focused during the toughest moments. Her commitment to learning was further supported by guidance from current AKU students and faculty, who offered practical advice to help her succeed.

Looking back, Mutoni is filled with gratitude. “The experience at AKU is priceless,” she says. It has shaped her into a more focused, resilient, and driven individual. As she approaches graduation, Mutoni’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. She hopes to inspire students in Uganda and beyond to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult the road may seem.

Read More: https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Details.aspx?nid=NEWS-003462

School of Nursing and Midwifery students in Tanzania showcased leadership and engagement in advancing nursing excellence at the University Nursing Students Association of Tanzania (UNSATA) Annual General Meeting held in Dar es Salaam.

Michael Job Thomas and Somoe Mohamed, from the undergraduate and Master’s programmes, served as panelists in a discussion focused on experiences in promoting nursing excellence, innovation, leadership, and research opportunities in nursing. Jefer Ezekiel Mofat also presented a portrait to the Guest of Honor, Ms. Ziada Sellah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Tanzania and an AKU alumna, reflecting the creativity and talent within the AKU community.

The meeting brought together nursing students, educators, alumni, and healthcare leaders to encourage mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth within the nursing profession.

We were also thrilled to have AKU alumni, Dr. Vumilia Betteul Mmari and Ramadhan Abdul Mwita, whose leadership continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals in the country.

A baby stopped crying because he had exhausted all the energy he had left.

That moment stayed with Dr O'Brien Kyololo and sparked a mission to improve paediatric pain care across Sub-Saharan Africa.

For too long, babies’ pain has been overlooked, misunderstood culturally, and treated as secondary in many healthcare settings.

Through his work at AKU, Dr Kyololo is helping develop a practical paediatric pain curriculum tailored to the realities of the region while also promoting simple comfort measures such as skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, and the calming presence of a mother.

At the same time, he continues to advocate for better training, adequate resources, and broader systemic change.

Babies feel pain. It’s time we truly recognise it.

Click on the link to read more: https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Details.aspx?nid=NEWS-003851

As part of Nurses & Midwives Month, we recently held the SONAM Hangout, an afternoon filled with games, cake, laughter, and great memories. ✨

From fun challenges and trophy wins to meaningful moments shared with our students, the hangout was a celebration of togetherness, appreciation, and the vibrant SONAM community.