Growing up in war-ravaged South Sudan, Zita Mborifue could only dream of a quality education.  While in 7th grade, she lost both parents.  A Good Samaritan connected with the Comboni order sent her to high school in Uganda.  After finishing her senior year with top grades, she lacked the resources to attend college and returned to her home.

She found work as a cashier at Comboni Nzara Hospital (the area of an early Ebola outbreak almost 40 years ago).  She liked science but there were no other jobs.

When an HIV treatment program opened at the hospital, Zita became a counselor.  She saw many patients die from un-diagnosed infections.  "No medical doctor has ever graduated from our area," she said.

One day, AMHF's local partner asked if she was interested in becoming a physician assistant through a scholarship program at Kenya Methodist University (KEMU).  She readily agreed.  When KEMU reviewed her transcript, the response was a surprise:  Zita should become a full-fledged doctor and study at KEMU's medical school.

Zita has now joined 26 current and former students from South Sudan studying health professions in Kenya through AMHF's sponsorship.  Away from the turmoil of South Sudan, Zita and others can study in better-equipped Kenyan Christian health institutions before returning to serve the people of their nation.

Zita's journey is far from over.  Someday, she would like to become a surgeon.