Gabriella Ayat
Gabriella Ayat from Uganda is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Water and Sustainable Development MSc in the Water and Health track.
How did you hear about IHE Delft?
My mentor at my former workplace, Queensland & Leeds Consulting Engineers, an engineering consulting firm, had previously recommended his mentees to pursue their master’s degrees at IHE Delft. When I asked him to write me a reference letter in order for me to apply for scholarships, he encouraged me to apple for the IHE Delft scholarships. And so I did!
Your experience at IHE Delft
First and foremost, IHE Delft's reputation precedes it, everything happened so quickly that I went from dreaming about it to living it. I had only seen IHE Delft on social media platforms and listened to student testimonials about their MSc projects and experiences at IHE Delft. Although I had another opportunity at another university, the decision to come to IHE Delft was clear to me. While exploring the different modules and content offered in comparison to the other universities, I realised that IHE Delft would provide me with a more multidisciplinary content; in addition, the diversity at IHE fascinated me, which has fostered increased creativity and social networking. Not to forget the variety of social activities provided by the institute that are crucial to my mental health, such as basketball which I play every Sunday.
My passion for water
As an undergraduate student in Environmental Engineering, my academic background encompasses a diverse range of topics. I have gained expertise in areas such as environmental and social impact assessments, feasibility studies, and engineering designs related to piped water supply and sanitation systems. This includes specialization in handling faecal sludge and solid waste management.
I have experience working with an engineering consultancy firm, as well as conducting action research and product development related to sanitation and hygiene in both urban and rural areas. In the past, I have held positions such as Research Assistant and Junior WASH Researcher with an international non-profit organization.
Having grown up and spent a significant part of my childhood in the informal settlements of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges arising from improper citywide planning, inefficient regulation, and rapid population growth. These issues have further exacerbated problems such as congestion, urban pollution, environmental degradation, and inadequate water and sanitation services. This experience motivated me to pursue a career in water and sanitation management, with a strong desire to make a positive impact on my community, including both rural and peri-urban settlements.
Over time, I have developed a keen interest in this program, particularly due to the pressing water and sanitation issues prevalent in my country, including the lack of access to water and sanitation facilities. I chose to apply to the program at IHE Delft because of the unparalleled resources and opportunities it offers to students, enabling them to expand their knowledge and skills in finding effective water and sanitation solutions.
The water situation in Uganda
In addition to the WASH-related issues discussed above, Uganda faces the risk of groundwater depletion due to the majority of the population relying on groundwater for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes. With a 3.3% population growth rate, there is a risk of steady depletion of underground aquifers; and because of the unforeseen climate situation, this poses a threat to livelihoods. Women and girls have to travel long distances to access water, preventing them from attending school, increasing water-related diseases, and forcing rural-urban migration. The climate change situation is also a hot topic. Flooding is one of the country's major issues, particularly in Kampala city which is approximately 18km from Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.
After graduation
My immediate post-graduate career plan entails actively participating in determining the technical, economic, , operational possibilities and constraints of innovative water, sanitation, and climate change solutions in Uganda. I plan to engage fully in the pursuit of innovative climate change solutions in Uganda. . I would like to take on opportunities in writing articles, attending briefings by national development planners, delivering speeches at conferences, and leading short courses.
Medium-term plans are to improve access to clean water and sanitation in Uganda and address the climate problem. I also have medium-term plans of establishing f a non-profit organization. I will apply my knowledge and abilities to offer water and sanitation expertise in support of initiatives to end water poverty.
Registration with the Uganda Engineers Registration Board, corporate membership with the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, and a Ph.D. in a related discipline are all part of the long-term career path.
"Having grown up and spent a significant part of my childhood in the informal settlements of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges arising from improper citywide planning, inefficient regulation, and rapid population growth."
Interested?
IHE Delft offers two new Master of Science programmes: the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development. Furthermore, IHE Delft is involved in joint MSc Programmes offered with partner institutes.
