Pedro Antonio Chávez Roca
Pedro Antonio Chavez Roca is from Guatemala. He has a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, an MSc in Sanitary Engineering and an MBA in human resources. Currently, he is pursuing the Master programme in Urban Water and Sanitation with a specialisation in Sanitary Engineering at IHE Delft. Pedro received a scholarship from Guatefuturo Loan Scholarship Programme to study at IHE Delft.
Pedro heard about IHE Delft from his friend who won an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. One of his dreams was to achieve a Master’s degree in Europe, so he was looking for universities where he could gain a lot of knowledge in the water sector and he found that IHE Delft is a recognized institution for teaching these topics. Since he knew about IHE Delft and the programmes, he knew that he would like to study at IHE Delft.
IHE Delft is worldwide a well-known Institute, especially in the sector in which I am studying. I know that achieving my Master’s degree will open up a lot of opportunities not only in my country, but also elsewhere.
Where did his passion for water come from?
‘’My father is an agronomic engineer, who had been working in the water sector, especially in water supply, and I loved what he had been doing for years. I started working in my father’s company as a civil engineer. I designed my first water supply system for a community and they were so happy having water in their own house. This happiness that I can provide to people by applying my knowledge in the water sector is priceless.’’
About water issues in Guatemala
‘’Guatemala is a water-rich country, however the management of water is not good. We are having problems with contaminated water locations. This contamination comes from factories and other commercial enterprises. We need to improve our management in water use and disposal.’’
After graduation
‘’Right now, I have two routes, the first one is to find a PhD in which I can improve my skills in wastewater treatment and gain more experience before returning home, then transmit all these experiences and knowledge to future generations. The other route is to return to my home country and start teaching and applying my knowledge.’’
What do you think about IHE Delft and Delft
‘’It was not what I expected because of COVID-19, but I am extremely excited for the opportunity I have now. It is a bit difficult to meet other students because we cannot meet in person and with having another language and different customs, it is sometimes a wall that it is difficult to climb. I like the city of Delft, all the history and buildings. I love the architecture. Dutch people are very punctual and honest.’’
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.
