Abdelmouttalib Mohammed
Abdelmouttalib Mohammed from Morocco is pursuing an MSc in Water and Sustainable Development MSc in the Water, Food and Energy track.
How did you hear about IHE Delft?
I heard about IHE Delft when I was working as a Hydraulic engineer in dam design and hydraulic infrastructures in Morocco and when I was an engineering student. The Institute is well-known in water education and a reference for everyone who wants to take a step forward in their professional water career.
At IHE Delft I am studying with international water professionals from all around the world, sharing knowledge and experiences. The extra-curricular activities (sports clubs, cultural activities with other students and Dutch locals) are also a good part of the education process as they help linking students with each other, creating friendships.
My passion for water
My interest in water goes back to my childhood. I lived in a coastal area where I was surrounded by water-related phenomena. Walking near the coast every day watching the waves pounding on the rocks made me wonder what forces drive such a majestic performance. I was intrigued by the uncontrollable movement of the waves that shaped the rocks on the coast - I wanted to know what kind of power is behind it. My interest took on a scientific aspect when I was in upper secondary school and discovered hydraulics in physics class. I chose hydraulics as my study field for my bachelor degree.
About the water situation in Morocco
Morocco is suffering from drought for several years now. And despite a strong and developed water infrastructure, the harsh effects of climate change in the coming years threaten the country’s water security. There is a tendency now in the country to rely more on unconventional water resources like water desalination and wastewater treatment, with several projects aiming to implement these two techniques. There is however much work to be done since these technologies require very large investments.
"Despite a strong and developed water infrastructure, the harsh effects of climate change in the coming years threaten the country’s water security"
My student experience
When I arrived at IHE Delft, I felt satisfaction and astonishment. I was satisfied because I found what I had expected: an international hub of water professionals and experts from all around the world. I was astonished about how the educational system is shaped towards the students. The learning process is highly interactive and well organised.
After nearly three months at IHE Delft, I’m very satisfied about how things are going. I’m now focused on my learning objectives and how I can achieve them over the span of a year. I have to admit that it is challenging, but challenges in life make us grow in life and achieve goals.
The teaching method at IHE Delft is quite innovative and unique. The lecturers try to engage with the students as much as possible and also prepare quizzes in the middle of the lecture to keep student’s attention. Also, there are special self-study sessions which give the students time to prepare for lectures and work on assignments. I am impressed by the frequency of these sessions. I also like that after each hour of studies, there is a break that allows students to renew their focus. Best of all, there is an online platform that contains resources such as lecture documents helps us organise our studies.
After graduation
I want to apply the technical and management skills I have acquired at IHE Delft in my future job as a water manager in order to tackle major problems such as droughts and flood. I hope to help limit the extensive use of conventional water resources in Morocco and implement policies that safeguard surface and groundwater resources - while introducing unconventional water resources like desalinated water and wastewater.
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.
