Rotary-sponsored scholars graduate

Apr 26, 2014

The inaugural class of five Rotary-sponsored scholars from five countries including Uganda has graduated with Master of Science degrees in water education

By Raymond Baguma

The inaugural class of five Rotary-sponsored scholars from five countries including Uganda has graduated with Master of Science degrees in water education from the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education.

The graduates are expected to apply their newly acquired knowledge to water and sanitation projects in their home countries of Argentina, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Ghana.

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

Established in 2011, the partnership between Rotary and UNESCO-IHE which is the world’s largest graduate water education facility, 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 program. Rotary members mentor the students throughout the program, building positive relationships that continue after graduation.

Among the Rotary sponsored scholars was Uganda’s Godfrey Peterson Baguma who graduated with a Master of Science degree in water education. Baguma’s thesis focused on low-cost removal of harmful pathogens from water.

In a statement, Baguma appreciated the practical nature of the studies and added that his interactions with Rotary members helped make Delft “a home away from home.”

“I am now able to address water and sanitation issues in a more integrated and technical manner,” said Baguma.

The UNESCO-IHE Rector András Szöllösi-Nagy said, “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.”

“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,” he added.

“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 Rotary Foundation alumni consist of 120,000 leaders and change agents around the world. Since 1947, more than 43,000 students and fellows have received Rotary scholarships supporting studies in a variety of disciplines representing a total investment of more than US$557 million.

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