First UNESCO-IHE class graduates

Established in 2011, the partnership between Rotary and UNESCO-IHE addresses the global water and sanitation crisis by increasing the ranks of trained professionals critically needed to devise, plan and implement solutions in countries where communities lack access to clean water and safe sanitation. Rotary provides scholarship grants that enable local Rotary clubs and districts to select and sponsor eligible students to the programme. Rotary members mentor the students throughout the programme, building positive relationships that continue after graduation.

"We're proud of the Rotary and UNESCO-IHE partnership and especially proud of our first class of Rotary water scholars, who will now use their expertise to develop sustainable water and sanitation solutions in their home countries," said Rotary Foundation trustee Stephen R Brown. "The mentoring of the students by Rotary clubs and Rotary members - during their studies at UNESCO-IHE, as well as after they return home - is essential to the success of the scholarship programme. These relationships and networks will enable students to implement their skills in their own local communities effectively. Their work to improve water and sanitation conditions will have a positive, lasting impact around the world."

A vital role in managing our water systems

His sentiments were echoed by UNESCO-IHE rector András Szöllösi-Nagy: "I am confident that as these young professionals return home, they will continue to play a vital role in managing our water systems in a sustainable way for future generations," he said. "As alumni, they will remain part of the largest network of water professionals and become part of an extensive network of fellow Rotary scholarship recipients and Rotarians worldwide."

For example, graduate Bernice Asamoah of Ghana, plans a hygiene project that will use solar power to disinfect water for communal toilet facilities. Graduate Kenechukwu "Kaycee" Okoli, of Nigeria, knows the value of public education, especially to empower children to become change agents. "The objective is to visit schools and to teach children and adolescents basic sanitation habits," he said.

Water-based diseases widespread

Another graduate, Temesgen Adamu of Ethiopia, points to the World Health Organisation's statistics indicating that about 2.5 billion people worldwide do not have access to improved sanitation and over 783 million people lack access to clean drinking water. "In my home country, the water quality is poor, safe water and sanitation facilities are inaccessible and water-based diseases widespread," Adamu said.

Graduate Gonzalo Duró, of Argentina, said he learned the critical importance of "co-operation between partners, institutions and professionals" in developing solutions to water and sanitation issues, while Uganda's Godfrey Baguma appreciated the practical nature of the studies. "I am now able to address water and sanitation issues in a more integrated and technical manner," Baguma said, adding that his interactions with Rotary members helped make Delft "a home away from home."

Building on the success of the first class, the second class of 16 students began graduate studies in October 2013 and will graduate in 2015.

Applications for the scholarship programme can be found at www.unesco-ihe.org

Source: APO