Meet the 2023-2024 Ireland Fellows and learn why they chose to study in Ireland.
The Ireland Fellows Programme is a fully-funded scholarship opportunity offered by the Irish Government, for professionals from developing countries to undertake their studies at a Master’s level in Ireland’s world-renowned universities.
The Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme (IAFP) and Ireland-SIDS Fellows Programme, aims to nurture future leaders and develop in-country capacity to achieve national Sustainable Development Goals. In Kenya, the programme has supported hundreds of individuals over the past forty years to further their education and professional careers. In 2023, seventeen Ireland Fellows from Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia & Sudan went to Ireland to pursue their Master’s degrees in various courses.
On completion of their studies, graduates will have acquired relevant skills and knowledge and will be better positioned to influence the advancement of national social, economic and development priorities. Fostering women’s leadership capacity is a priority. On return, graduates are expected to resume work and put their acquired skills into good use for the benefit of their home country.
Here, fellows from Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia & Sudan share their expectations, why they chose Ireland and how they intend to contribute to their communities when they return to their home countries.
‘‘My name is Semere Woldeamlak Araia from Eritrea, currently pursuing a Masters of Engineering in sustainable energy at University College Cork, Ireland.
I chose Ireland because of its contribution in the development of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and wave power. The courses at the university frequently integrate academic learning with applied skills and practical training making it a perfect fit for me.
Once I go back home I am planning to continue my research on finding possible renewable energy solutions since Eritrea has the potential to harvest vast solar energy as well as introducing bio energy conversion to manage waste.’’
‘‘My name is Fatima Said Abshir, a communications specialist from Somalia. My professional journey has been marked by a deep commitment to development projects in critical sectors such as education, peace, livelihood, and health. This invaluable experience laid the foundation for my pursuit of higher education in Ireland, where I am currently studying Public Affairs and Political Communications at Technological University Dublin, courtesy of a full scholarship opportunity as an Irish Aid fellow.
My ultimate goal is to leverage the knowledge and skills gained during my time in Ireland to contribute to the betterment of my homeland, Somalia. I envision a future where effective communication and diplomatic endeavours play a pivotal role in driving positive change. By nurturing strong relations between Ireland and Somalia, I aim to create opportunities for collaborative initiatives that will bolster development efforts in my country.’’
‘‘My name is Khawla Osama, I come from Sudan, currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Development studies at Maynooth University.
I chose Ireland because of the strong education system and outstanding universities, I will get to have first-hand experience with the development agencies in Ireland which will give me a new perspective on the relationship between the global north – and the global south. Besides that, Ireland has beautiful nature, so green and rich in culture, art & Music.
I plan to work in the development sector, especially since Sudan has experienced armed conflict, I believe that with the skills and knowledge that I have gained, I will be able to meaningfully contribute towards the re-construction of the systems, education, health, & physical infrastructure. Further, I plan to support youth programs, as well as the national NGOs working towards the youth agenda specifically on education, employment, political participation, & addressing the gender gap in Sudan.’’
''My name is Marwa Siddig from Sudan. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Precision Medicine at University College Dublin (UCD).
I chose to study in Ireland because of the knowledge and experience that I will gain, this will contribute to my clinical practice in oncology and to reduce unwanted side-effects that cancer patients suffer. I also plan to contribute towards releasing national guidelines for the management of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Sudanese cancer patients. Moreover, this master's degree will be a stepping stone for me to be engaged in research and efforts being made to find new treatments and new hope for patients with rare genetic diseases like Duchenne syndrome. My plans when I go back home is to contribute to the reconstitution of the new Sudan that we deserve.’’
''My name is Angela Maina, from Kenya, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security.
Ireland is recognized for its education system globally. Being in the agricultural field, Ireland was on my top list because of its outstanding Agriculture scholars that have contributed to its food security.
When I go back home, I will work in research projects aimed at promoting sustainable food production, climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and improved agricultural practices, especially with the smallholder farmers in Kenya. I aspire to become a researcher and a scientist whose work contributes to sustainable agricultural and environmental conservation practices. Good research yields trustable knowledge that can be used to enact practical policies that meet the needs of most, if not all stakeholders.’’
‘‘My name is Consolata Kemboi, from Kenya, I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Economics and Policy Analysis at the University of Limerick.
I chose to study in Ireland because Ireland's universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence. The welcoming and diverse community in Ireland, along with its stunning landscapes and rich history, made it a unique and inspiring destination for my academic journey.
When I go back home, I intend to work in a role that allows me to engage in evidence-based policy analysis and economic research to address key socio-economic challenges in Kenya.’’
‘‘My name is Cynthia Mwende Maswili, from Kenya, currently pursuing a Master's of Science degree in Sustainable Development at the Technological University in Dublin. I chose this course because it will refine my knowledge and enable me to contribute to the design and implementation of community development projects that promote sustainable resilience in rural areas.
I chose Ireland because of its agri-food sector, the largest indigenous industry, known for its expertise in agri-food research systems and innovations. I am keen to explore their agri-food systems and sustainability strategies, which can produce more agricultural products on the same land footprint, while reducing resource demands and promoting climate-smart agriculture. Equipped with this multidisciplinary knowledge, I intend to return to Kenya to drive positive change in various sectors in Kenya and beyond.’’
‘‘My name is Fredrick Nyagudi Opundo from Kenya, currently pursuing an MSc Chemistry - Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds at the University College Cork, Ireland.
I chose to study in Ireland, for several reasons. First, Ireland is a first world economy with modern technology. I did my research and was confident that I would have the best education the world can offer. Several world leading pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer have their production sites in Ireland and this would give me an opportunity to interact with professionals in this field during the Industry Led Workshops. Which is part of my course. This would in turn go a long way in expanding my network.
When I go back home, I will embark on getting our Forensic Laboratory (Chemistry department) at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations up and running. With a wealth of hands-on analytical skills, I am going to gain in this MSc course, I trust I will be of immense value to our laboratory. I am excited for what the future looks for me with this MSc qualification as it takes me nearer to my aspiration of pursuing PhD.’’
‘‘My name is Jesse Muriuki Ithai, from Kenya, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Government and Politics.
I chose Ireland because its resilience as a nation following the great famine in the 17th century and other down-times in recent history and how they have been able to rise and attain a GDP per capita of USD 104,000 is admirable. Further, their commitment to the attainment of SDGs especially those relating to education, climate action and sustainability was a major attraction for me.
The Kenya Public Service Commission (PSC) which is my employer, has bonded me for 2 years following my completion of the master’s programme in Ireland. I, therefore, plan to go back to Kenya and apply the knowledge, experience and networks I will have created to serve in the policy development capacities within the Kenyan government. I strongly believe that concerted efforts, at national, regional and international policy and governance levels, is required in order to effectively and sustainably deal with climate change which threatens to wipe out humanity from the face of the earth, particularly vulnerable communities in the Global South.’’
‘‘My is name is Samuel Mwangi Ngotho from Kenya, currently pursuing a Master of Engineering in Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems at the Technological University Dublin.
Ireland is known for its excellent education systems, hence it was a no brainer for me when I was looking for a university, opting to study in Ireland is the best decision I ever made. The courses are well structured to equip the students with hands-on skills and real work experience.
Upon completing my master's degree, I am committed to continuing my career as a vocational and technical trainer in Kenya. In the long term, I aspire to assume a leadership role within the sector, where I can contribute significantly to TVET growth and development.’’
‘‘My name is Stephen Sombi, from Kenya, currently pursuing a Masters in Architecture, Urbanism, and Climate Action at the University College Dublin.
Ireland has a vibrant construction industry with a lot of innovations in climate adaptive designs, retrofits, whole cycle assessments of buildings, embracing of circular economy in the construction industry. These are some of the aspects that motivated me to choose Ireland, additionally the wide range of experts willing to share this knowledge and skills for the next generation of experts was a great bonus.
In the past two weeks of learning, they have been quite an eye-opener in new concepts of Architecture in a climate emergency and understanding how new technologies can foster community participation in Geodesign. The knowledge and skills that I will gain through this program will enable to me improve on material physics, specifically those with low embodied carbon coupled with reduction of operational carbon in building so as to attain Net zero standards in building, which will not only positive for the environment as well as improving the social aspects of the society.’’
‘‘My name is Vincent Ngetich Cheruiyot from Kenya, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Food science at the University College Cork, Ireland.
I chose Ireland and particularly the University College Cork due to its life-impacting food research output it disseminates to the Irish food industry sector and across the globe.
I plan to disseminate the best practices in sustainable novel food systems from farm fork to my colleagues at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute and the micro small and medium entrepreneurs while assuring food safety along the food value chains.
My aspiration is to champion food value addition and food safety systems along the value chain to realize the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2) of zero hunger in Kenya. This will enhance the growth of Kenyan-owned food firms right from the farm gates to the processing facilities while attaining a food-secure country.’’