IHE Delft 💧 Interview with Shalom Mukami Apolot | 2025/6 MSc Scholar, IHE Delft WDPP

Duration: 1:48 240 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

Shalom Kanyapulu from Uganda is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft, driven by an ambition to secure a leadership role where he can educate others on integrated water resource management. His ultimate goal extends beyond academic achievement; he aims to design and implement projects that simultaneously satisfy human needs while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. He views his current program as essential because it bridges the gap between technical knowledge and strategic thinking, equipping him with the skills necessary to evaluate various solutions holistically rather than viewing water merely as a physical resource but also as a vital component of social economy. A core theme in Shalom's perspective is the deep sense of responsibility he feels toward making a tangible difference within his community. He emphasizes that learning should not stop at absorbing theories from institutions like IHE Delft; instead, students must translate those concepts into practical solutions that guarantee both water efficiency and security for local populations. By focusing on these actionable outcomes, Shalom intends to lead initiatives that directly address the specific challenges faced by communities in Uganda, transforming existing obstacles into narratives of resilience and innovation that can inspire future generations. The interview highlights how this educational journey is shaping his approach to problem-solving, allowing him to look at complex issues through a multifaceted lens that combines technical expertise with strategic foresight. This comprehensive training enables him to navigate the intricacies of water management in ways that are both scientifically sound and socially relevant. Ultimately, Shalom's vision for the future involves creating sustainable systems where human development does not come at the expense of environmental health, ensuring a balanced approach that serves as a model for others seeking to lead change in their own regions.

Read the full video transcript

My name is Shalom Kanyapulu from Uganda. I am a master student at I and K I and K I T doing the water and sustainable development program. In the future, I aim to um reach a leadership position where I'm able to um teach others about integrated water resource management. But then I also want to design and implement projects that not only satisfy the human need, but also ensure environmental sustainability. And I believe this program bridges that gap because it not only gives me technical knowledge on what to do and how to do it, but then it also um gives me um the the thought the strategy the skill to strategically think about all these different solutions that can come in. So, I'm able to not only look at water as a resource, but also as a social economy. I feel a deep responsibility to, you know, make a difference within my community. Not only to just >> [snorts] >> take theories from I and K I T, but also um come up with tangible solutions that can be implemented to ensure water efficiency, but also water security. I want to lead projects that will um that will have an impact in our communities to to find each and every challenge that they have. Um and then our challenges can turn into a story of resilience, but also innovation in the future future generations. >> [music]