This special award was set up by her family in memory of Jane Ballantyne (1976-2003) Fife, Scotland. The award is a supplement to a Soko Scholarship, and accordingly only those who have already been awarded a Soko Scholarship are eligible to apply. A student in their final year of study may also apply for the award for a suitable purpose after graduation, subject to the approval of the Trustees.

Jane grew up on a farm near St. Andrews in Scotland. After secondary school she went on to study Russian and History at Glasgow University. As well as spending a year in Russia, Jane travelled widely throughout Europe and taught in Japan for a time.

Jane returned to postgraduate education, and while studying for a degree in Law at the University of Edinburgh, she worked as a volunteer for the Citizens Advice Bureau, where she used her knowledge, skills and sensitive disposition, to help people with a spectrum of problems.

Jane performed as a soprano soloist on many occasions and also sang with the University Chapel Choir during her time in Glasgow. Her acting included lead roles in school and local productions, and in 1994 she took part in a production at the International Festival Fringe in Edinburgh.

Jane is loved and remembered by many for her warmth, kindness and vitality, her rich and vibrant nature. She died in December 2003 at the age of 27.

The Jane Ballantyne Memorial Award is made on the basis of a piece of written work. This should fall under one of the following categories:

1. An essay
The essay should be on an aspect of contemporary Malawian society and its development, such as education, agriculture, health or religion. It should offer an analysis of current problems and a discussion of possible solutions to them. The essay should be 3,500 words long and written in English.

2. A piece of creative writing
Under this category, applicants should submit a short story or a poem that reflects some aspect of experience in contemporary Malawi.

3. An undergraduate research project
Students whose degree course requires them to undertake a research project may submit the completed project for the purposes of the Jane Ballantyne Memorial Award.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted by post or by email if students have access. Deadline for submission this year is 10 October 2007.

The Soko Fund
4 Harrison Place 1F1
Edinburgh, EH11 1SF
Scotland
United Kingdom

Email: admin@sokofund.org

Winners

2005 Jane Ballantyne Award Winner was: Jane Chikapa at the University of Livingstonia.