Allison Andrew

What does your company do?

Sister Allison Andrew Founder of Mediskills Academy and Mediskills Healthcare Foundation My journey in healthcare began at Westville Hospital in the early 1990s, where I was given the opportunity to develop my skills and further my passion for helping people through holistic and compassionate care. This formative experience taught me the value of care during life’s most vulnerable moments. After retiring, I recognized the pressing need for more efficient healthcare structures in my community. At the same time, I met many passionate, unemployed individuals who couldn’t afford the training they needed to change their lives and uplift their communities. This led to the founding of Mediskills Academy, a fully accredited training provider. In July 2021, during the Durban riots—and again during the devastating floods that followed—I witnessed firsthand how communities suffered due to a lack of access to emergency services and trained healthcare workers. I believe that in disaster, we rise or fall to the level of our training. My goal is to provide affordable basic healthcare education to every willing individual, empowering them with the skills to protect themselves and their loved ones. Since its inception, over 120 students have graduated from Mediskills Academy, with approximately 80% now employed and self-sufficient. We are committed to inclusivity and equal opportunity, especially for disadvantaged and differently abled individuals. To gain practical experience, our students are placed at care facilities throughout Durban, including Cheshire Home for the Disabled. As an extension of our mission, we established the Mediskills Healthcare Foundation. This non-profit arm of our organization allows us to reach even more communities through: Free health checks Free community healthcare training Numerous outreach programs, including disaster preparedness and first aid Partnerships with local organizations and sponsors, including Hollywood Bets, SAPS, pink drive. Our model is unique: students earn their practical hours by actively participating in these community outreach programs, contributing meaningfully to society while gaining hands-on experience. We proudly support and collaborate with organizations such as: Cheshire Home Pink Drive KZN DAFTA Renegades Search and Rescue Pass the Batton Local religious organizations These efforts ensure that our students not only train but also give back, strengthening both their skills and their sense of purpose. In recognition of our efforts, Mediskills Academy was recently named Best College in Durban South by The Rising Sun newspaper in their annual Readers' Choice Awards. At Mediskills, we learn, we teach, and we care. --- .

What is your biggest success?

Yet, in the face of many challenges, our greatest achievements shine brightly. Mediskills has been repeatedly recognized, earning accolades such as “Best of Bluff Community Upliftment Organization” and “Best College.” Our programs have changed countless lives. Many of our students have not only been successfully placed in local healthcare environments but have also earned international placements—testaments to the high standard of training and mentorship we provide. Each success story—every student who thrives, every patient whose life is touched, every community uplifted—is a reflection of our unwavering belief: that impact is not defined by resources, but by purpose. At Mediskills, we are not just teaching skills; we are building futures, creating access, and driving transformation—one life at a time.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Our biggest challenge remains travelling