Junior Vincent Holder
Junior Vincent Holder from Guyana is pursuing an MSc in Water and Sustainable Development in the Water Resource and Ecosystem Health track, with an Engineering and Hydrology Profile.
I come from the small country of Guyana, which is located in South America and known as “the land of many waters”. Its capital sits on the coastal plain, which is two meters below sea level. Guyana faces multiple water-related challenges: threats of floods are predominant in the low-lying regions, while hinterland regions suffer the effects of drought and poor water quality.
How did you hear about IHE Delft?
My supervisor at Guyana’s National Hydro-meteorological Service, where I am a civil engineer, graduated from IHE Delft a few years ago. Working alongside him, I noticed that he had extensive knowledge of water resources despite his non-engineering background. Hearing his story inspired me to learn more about IHE Delft. I read several insightful stories on the website that convinced me that studying at IHE Delft will provide me with the expertise to be creatively involved in problem-solving to help protect Guyana, its population, and its beauty from our current water-related concerns.
What is good about studying at IHE Delft?
Studying at IHE Delft allows you to collaborate with people from around the world in order to solve the water-related problems we face. We interact with people who are suffering or have previously faced similar water-related challenges, and we share solutions. Lecturers share experiences from their fieldwork with us and advise us on our journey to providing effective solutions to water-related problems.
My passion for water
My interest in water-related fields began during my undergraduate studies, when Guyana was devastated by a massive flood. After seeing the aftermath of this natural disaster, I was determined to understand not only the reasons why it happened, but also how such events might be avoided. As a Civil Engineer with Guyana’s National Hydro-meteorological Service, I am able to investigate and address our country’s numerous water-related concerns.
"I was determined to understand not only the reasons why it happened, but also how such events might be avoided."
About the water situation in Guyana
Guyana is considered “the land of many waters”, however, not every citizen has access to drinking water. A lack of effective collaboration between sectors hinders integrated management of Guyana’s water resources. There is little or no planning to understand and accommodate the effects of urbanization and other land-related activities that will affect the flow and quality of the water. In addition, too few resources are allocated to the continuous monitoring of water quality and quantity – such monitoring is key for informed decision-making purposes.
My student experience so far
My journey so far at IHE Delft has been phenomenal. From the first day of lectures, I realised the ways water unites all of us, no matter where we come from. The diversity among staff and students is really rich, and there is a sense of serenity and harmony in their presence, without any type of hate speech towards each other, which I was very impressed with.
I was astonished by the teaching methods and how the instructors use real case studies and technical insights every step of the way. The practical case studies allow you to interact with colleagues and study and evaluate water issues that you choose – all while receiving guidance from the professor every step of the way. Following that, you will present your analysis and receive constructive feedback from the instructor and colleagues on what you did well and what you could have done to better communicate your data or analysis. It's a big change from what I'm used to.
"Water unites all of us, no matter where we come from."
After graduation
When I return to Guyana, I hope to collaborate with stakeholders to build improved monitoring and management systems for our water resources. I also want to model our drainage system to create a picture of the condition of our present water resources, with the goal of supporting flood prevention. Finally, I want to organize a water committee to develop a plan for the sustainable use and management of Guyana's water resources, which would be submitted to the government for enactment.
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.
