Alieu Jallow: a public health officer studying water to transform lives through sanitation solutions
Alieu Jallow studies at IHE Delft to transform lives through sanitation efforts. As a Public Health Officer, he came to the Netherlands to pursue a Master’s in Water and Sustainable Development, specializing in the Water and Health track with a focus on sanitary engineering.
IHE Delft is more than a university; it is a hub for future changemakers.
Studying at IHE Delft
IHE Delft stood out to me among other institutions because of its singular focus on water and its global reputation for shaping water leaders. The Institute does not just teach theories; it immerses students in real-world challenges, providing hands-on experience in solving water and sanitation problems. The vibrant international community, cutting-edge research and direct engagement with global experts make studying at IHE Delft an unparalleled experience.
To me, the most remarkable thing about being here is the sense of purpose. Every lecture, project and discussion feels like a step toward solving some of the world’s most pressing water and sanitation issues. IHE Delft is more than a university; it is a hub for future changemakers.
This is not just a place of learning; it is a melting pot of cultures, ideas and groundbreaking research. From day one, I was captivated by the diversity of my classmates and professionals from all over the world, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives.
The teaching methodology here is also unlike anything I have encountered before. It is interactive, solution-driven, and deeply rooted in real-world applications. We do not just sit through lectures; we engage in case studies, hands-on projects, and field visits, ensuring that the knowledge we gain is practical and actionable.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJWBGSP)
Finding a scholarship requires determination, strategy, and persistence. I actively searched university websites, international funding platforms, and professional networks. When I discovered the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJWBGSP), I knew it was more than just financial support; it was a catalyst for the change I envisioned in water and sanitation.
The process was highly competitive, requiring a compelling personal statement, strong professional experience, and a clear vision of how I would use my degree to drive change in my home country. Still, the effort is well worth it. This scholarship is not just an award; it’s an investment in people with the courage to tackle the world’s toughest challenges.
The JJWBGSP has given me the platform to turn my passion into impact. IHE Delft is equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and network to revolutionize sanitation policies in The Gambia. The journey from a village with no clean water to an institution shaping global water leaders is not just mine; it is a testament to what education, resilience, and opportunity can achieve.
The journey from a village with no clean water to an institution shaping global water leaders is not just mine; it is a testament to what education, resilience, and opportunity can achieve.
From observing to solving
Water and sanitation have been more than just interests to me; they are at the heart of my professional journey. As a Public Health Officer, I have seen firsthand how poor sanitation exacerbates disease, poverty, and inequality. Witnessing children fall ill from preventable waterborne diseases and communities struggling with inadequate sanitation fueled my passion to be part of the solution.
Water and sanitation challenges in The Gambia
I hail from The Gambia, a country where water and sanitation challenges have a profound impact on public health and development.
Access to clean water and sustainable sanitation services remains a major challenge, particularly in rural areas. For example, during my fieldwork in remote villages, I encountered families who rely on unprotected wells as their primary water source, exposing them to waterborne diseases. In my own community, I have seen how limited access to proper sanitation facilities forces people to practice open defecation, further exacerbating health risks.
Poor waste management and climate-related vulnerabilities further highlight the urgent need for bold, innovative, and sustainable interventions. One promising approach I have observed is the introduction of decentralized wastewater treatment systems, which offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to manage waste in communities without sewer networks. Additionally, initiatives such as solar-powered water purification systems are helping to provide safe drinking water in off-grid areas. These solutions inspire my commitment to sanitation because every drop of clean water and every dignified sanitation solution has the power to transform lives.
After graduation
When I graduate, I will not just return with a degree, I will return with the expertise, confidence, and network needed to drive meaningful change. My vision is to lead sanitation reforms in The Gambia, working at the intersection of policy, research, and implementation to provide sustainable solutions that uplift communities and safeguard public health.
Every drop of clean water and every dignified sanitation solution has the power to transform lives.
Interested?
IHE Delft offers two Master of Science programmes: the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development. In addition, IHE Delft is part of several joint MSc Programmes offered with partner institutes.
