Dr. Arabang Potlako Maruping Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Maruping was born in Lesotho, trained as a pediatrician, and led a life of service that prioritized the health and well-being of youth and the economically marginalized. In public service, she served as Director of Health Services for Lesotho's Ministry of Health, ensuring marginalized and rural communities had adequate access to hospitals and local healthcare centers, and strengthening the health system's epidemiological monitoring to protect them. Internationally, she served as Chairman of the UNICEF Executive Board, a member of the UNICEF/WHO Joint Committee on Health Policy, WHO Representative to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), and Regional Advisor for Child and Adolescent Health at the WHO Regional Office for Africa. Dr. Maruping later co-founded Bana Pele (Children First), a nonprofit with a mission to empower and build the capacity of rural youth and marginalized communities in Lesotho's Roma valley.

Dr. Maruping's life and career have been one of service to youth and marginalized communities. She cared deeply about the plight of youth in marginalized communities and made it her life's work to empower them to be self-supporting. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on these communities and have inspired the efforts of all who have had the good fortune to meet and work with her. She is a cherished sister, spouse, and mother who remains sorely missed.