Achuu Simon Peter, Uganda

My name is Achuu Simon Peter, I come from Uganda a country endowed with unique and varying natural resources including interesting biological characteristics, vibrant socio-cultural features, and generally welcoming people. I am a beneficiary of MEG8 (2012 - 2014), under the DAAD programme for developing countries.

First, I would like to appreciate and value the support accorded to me by government of Germany through DAAD funding. This special support facilitated my two years of study at Freiburg. Although life was quite stressful and challenging at the beginning, the programme enabled me to achieve my dreams. I must also say life at Freiburg was very interesting and comfortable. My sincere gratitude also goes to the administration of Albert Ludwig’s University Freiburg for establishing and supporting an international academic programme that considers scholars from developing countries who may be talented but with limited financial capacities.

Enrolling and being accepted to the MEG programme was a very rewarding undertaking as it all made a dream come true! I benefited from the DAAP scholarship and MEG programme in many ways. Amongst many others, I am particularly grateful that the scholarship enabled me to share my personal and national experience with other learners from developed and developing countries. This experience has continued to support me in handling my day to activities both at home and work. Interacting with other scholars enabled me to appreciate other people’s opinions and views in handling critical and sensitive matters. Additionally I was able to build networks of professionals in the environment sector. This has been vital in facilitating continuous exchange of knowledge, information and experiences which has continued to shape my decisions in the world of work.

I also testify that my confidence levels and ability to make independent decisions was enhanced. Critical thinking abilities and broader outlook of things as well as maturity and independence in decision making were strongly enhanced by the MEG programme. Important to state is that the MEG course placed me at a very competitive position in the job market both locally and internationally, since 2017 I have been implementing UN executed projects in Uganda.

I appreciate the teaching and learning methods used by the programme to inculcate knowledge and skills to learners. A case in point is the student organized event module, where students from different academic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with different educational training and experiences come together to organize a special successful event.

The course also exposed me to real employment experience of working in multicultural environments since I was able to grow in virtues of adaptability, patience, calmness and flexibility in the delivery of services. The program also enhanced my ability, skills and competences in planning and organizing, team work and communication.

Before enrolling for MEG, I had worked for local government in rural setting where, among other duties, I was responsible for planning, awareness raising and generally execution of government policies, laws, regulation, guidelines and standards. I must say that the course was rewarding as it enhanced my abilities and capacities to deliver and support humanity. 

I appreciate all the support and inspiration DAAD offered to me through MEG to accomplish my academic journey. I appreciate everyone who contributed directly or indirectly in this course and request that the Germany government increases funding to enable talented young people from disadvantaged regions to benefit from such rewarding international academic programmes.