As I reflect on this Masters in Water Resource Science journey from July 2021 to June 2023, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support, encouragement, and opportunities provided by my funders, supervisors, and institution throughout this transformative journey from the reception of my offer letter of scholarship.

The past two years have been remarkable, marked by academic milestones and enriching experiences that have significantly shaped my perspective as a budding Water Resource scientist. This incredible journey would not have been possible without the financial backing provided by the African Water Resource Mobility Network (AWaRMN) of the Intra-Africa Mobility Network funded by the European Union, whose vision for empowering the next generation of African scientists has left an indelible mark on my academic trajectory.

One of the highlights of this journey has been the opportunity to participate in several professional conferences, training, and workshops, where I had the privilege of presenting my research findings and engaging with fellow scholars from around the world. These experiences broadened my understanding of water resource science. They provided valuable networking opportunities that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours.

I also got to participate in a series of fellowships and the Unleash Global Innovation Lab in India, which provided a unique and enriching aspect of my career, offering hands-on experiences that bridged theory and practical application. This lab expanded my skill set and fostered a global perspective on providing creative and innovative solutions to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

I got the opportunity to serve the Makhanda community by volunteering with River Rescue Makhanda. River Rescue Makhanda is an NGO responsible for cleaning up resident streams in Makhanda by tackling waste pollution obstructing the flow of these streams. This volunteering role allowed me to clean the rivers and sensitize the local community to the adverse effect of plastic pollution on the environment. Thus, I am making an interlink between my research on the effect of plastic pollution in riverine habitats and my community engagement activities.

As I proudly graduated with distinction in MSc Water Resource Science, I am acutely aware that this achievement is not mine alone. It is a collective triumph made possible by the support, encouragement, and investment of my funders, supervisors, and institution. This academic journey, fuelled by the generosity of those who believe in the potential of African scientists, stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the future of water resource science in Africa.

Andrew Ali presents a paper at the 2023 SASAqS conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Andrew Ali participating in cleaning the river in Makhanda.

Andrew Ali graduating, taking a congratulatory handshake from Prof Nelson Odume (MSc Supervisor) for obtaining his MSc in Water Resource Science with distinction

Last Modified: Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:10:06 SAST