Moline Chauruka
Moline Chauruka is from Zimbabwe and is studying for a Master’s in Water Management and Governance. She has always wanted to study in The Netherlands to learn and understand about the Dutch water expertise, how they managed to battle with water to keep their feet dry.
How did you hear about IHE Delft?
I heard about IHE Delft a long time ago, but at that time I did not pay much attention to the information, until six years ago when one of my colleagues came to study at IHE Delft. This triggered my attention and I started to search for courses that IHE Delft offers and possible scholarships that fit my field of interest.
What made you choose IHE Delft?
For me, the idea of studying abroad was not just about studying but being enrolled within an Institute that offers high quality education, meeting people from all over the world and learning the complexities of water allocation, distribution, and use.
Why did you choose to study in the field of water?
Coming from a semi-arid country that has heavily reliance on regular rains, it is under threat due to climate change.
Studying in the field of water was a passionate choice to enhance my knowledge of how food security can still be attained, despite the effects that climate change is imposing on water resources.
When did you start discovering your passion for water? How did you notice?
From an early age, I was passionate about agriculture, and the fact that one cannot separate agriculture from water increased my passion for water. In Zimbabwe the expansion of irrigation farming is proving to be the way to go. Persistent droughts and mid-season dry spells made me realize the need to know more about how to at least manage the available water resource towards sustainable water use.
Can you tell us more about the problems you encounter in your home country regarding water?
Low rainfall is a water challenge in Zimbabwe, though not ruling out poor water and sanitation services which I believe is a result of poor or not effective implementation of water policies
Do you find the teaching style very different to what you are used to?
Yes sure, I have started appreciated grasping a lot of concepts in a very short time. I should confess that during the first days I thought I was not learning anything, only to realize how much I have learned in a very short space of time and I am humbled by the teaching style which is learner-centred and promotes active participation
What are your goals when you finish studying?
I desire to further my studies towards a PhD and find myself seated at decision-making tables, one day, in my country, adding not only to the number of women in water decision-making positions but bringing change to Zimbabwe.
Do you want to apply what you have learned in your home country or elsewhere?
I desire to carry the knowledge I acquired at IHE Delft back to Zimbabwe and apply it perhaps not only in my country, but given the opportunity, to African countries.
How did you experience your first week?
Having been here during these unusual times of the Covid-19 pandemic, I spent my first week in quarantine and have to admit it was not easy. A combination of missing home, and being in your room all by yourself in a foreign country was hard. I would like to thank IHE Delft for the warm welcome and organization of my room and required appointments which reduced the time of feeling lonely as I became occupied in that very first week.
How have you found getting to know other students?
It was a combination of fun and surprises for me, knowing how other cultures interact and perceiving certain behaviours and issues. I have come to realize and understand that your culture’s way of doing things is not the only way of doing things, as there are many cultures out there that do and perceive things differently. It made me realize how important it is to embrace diversity.
What is your first impression of Delft, The Netherlands?
A small, quiet, and peaceful city.
What has come as surprise to you, now you are at IHE Delft?
The way lecturers address students and the way they accept opinions from the students. I have fallen in love with how frank, open and honest the lecturers have been to suggestions, as well as their way of encouraging students.
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.
