From Gathiga village to London School of Economics: A journey of resilience and achievement
By Nelly Ale, edited by Elkanah Nyauma
From Gathiga village to London School of Economics to solve healthcare financing
In 2021, right after Covid19, I decided to sharpen my skills further in my quest for better healthcare financing. I enrolled in my second Master’s Degree in Health Economics, Policy, and Management at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Amid global uncertainty, the issue of resource allocation and cost-effectiveness in the health sector became even more relevant. Healthcare systems were weakening, and fiscal spaces were shrinking. I was certain that this skill was crucial in my quest to improve the healthcare sector in Africa and globally through better healthcare financing.
Achieving academic excellence
Two and a half years later, after many lectures, assignments, long nights, and assignment-filled weekends, I DID IT! I achieved three distinctions in Health Economics, Advanced Health Economics, and Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy.
Photo / Nelly Ale, MPH, MScNelly Ale, MPH, MSc
A moment of pride and gratitude
The graduation was extra special. My parents made their MAIDEN trip abroad, traveling straight from Gathiga village to the Globe! š As I write this, tears of joy well up in my eyes. Behind their smiles is unmatched love and resilience. They struggled to make ends meet, and I recall being sent home for school fees in high school as my dad was between jobs. He had to transport fruit at the City Market using an old, rickety yellow pick-up to make ends meet. This was a moment of pride and divine possibilities. It was a testament that resilience, hard work, and grit will always make room for you.
Support from husband, parents, close relatives and friends
I am grateful to God, who has helped me in all seasons of my life, my parents for investing in my education because that is all they could give me. I am also grateful to my husband, Dr.Boni Maxime Ale, MD, MSc, MPH, who challenged me to acquire this skill and supported me immensely. He took care of our twins while I was away for my studies. I am also grateful to my nephew, Olushina A. Junior Ale, BSc, MSc, helped take care of the twins along with my two nannies, Aunty Nancy and Aunty Joyce. It takes a village! I am forever indebted to my mentors for urging me on.
Future goals for better healthcare financing
I have rolled up my sleeves as I seek to delve deeper into solving pressing healthcare financing challenges. I am focused on developing innovative financing mechanisms, supporting cost-effective initiatives, and shaping enabling policies. While doing this, I will continue mentoring young people and serving on school boards because education is indeed an equalizer.
āEducation is the great equalizer of our time. It gives hope to the hopeless and creates chances for those without…ā āKofi Annan
