Where are they now?

Study programme: Diploma in Rural Policy and Project Planning
Year of graduation: 1986
Country of origin: Sri Lanka
Current occupation: I retired in 2006. My last appointment was as Deputy Director at the Ministry of Plantation Industries. I worked on the development of tea plantations.
 

What made your time at ISS special? At ISS we became a global family with students from 60 countries. It was a pleasant experience. I still have the group photograph. The Netherlands is a beautiful country full of flowers. I enjoyed travelling on the tram into The Hague.
 

What is your most memorable moment at ISS? It has to be my post-graduate diploma. Our teachers so friendly, the love and affection of a family. I must mention my supervisor, Mr Harry Wagenbuur. He was such a nice person. I appreciate his kindness and personality.

What does ISS mean to you now? ISS helped me lift my knowledge and career to another level. I became part of a global network. I love DevISSues. It broadens my mind.

Study programme: MA in Development Studies, Governance of Migration and Diversity Track
Year of graduation: 2022
Country of origin: South Africa
Current occupation: Where am I now? Still at ISS! After graduating, I took up two positions - one as a Communications Officer with the Marketing and Communications Team and the other as a Project Liaison as part of Professor Hilhorst’s Humanitarian Governance project.

What made your time at ISS special? Walking around ISS, I’m reminded daily of the amazing opportunity I had to earn an MA here. The community that is created (and that continues after graduation) is what has made my time at ISS so special.

What is your most memorable moment at ISS? One of my most memorable moments is when the only 4 GMD students occupied the entire library for a week when we had a hectic assignment and exam period! Many laughs, tears and snacks were shared, and many memories made of ‘we’re in this together’.

What does ISS mean to you now? Working behind the scenes makes the MA experience come full circle as we are reminded of all the great, tangible work and people that come out of and shape the institute itself. And I’m not the only former student around, there are more! ISS continues to be a community after graduation and will forever hold memories of such.