Sylvester Matemu

Sylvester Matemu from Tanzania gained an LLM in Water Law in 2002.

I am so thankful to Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP) for the opportunity given to me to study LLM (Water) at the then Institute of Water Law Research Institute (IWLRI), University of Dundee, from 2000 - 2002.

My passion for National and International Water Law grew a lot once I got into IWLRI. I chose IWLRI which is now known as UNESCO Centre for Water Law Policy and Science (CWLPS), because of its "Open door" policy. During my time, students were free and welcome to speak with the professors any time. I would like to extend my special thanks to Prof. Pat Wouters, my supervisor whose careful guidance and support always encourage her students strive for excellence. I was given an opportunity to know Scotland and International Law; a good combination to add to my understanding of Tanzania Water Law. This attitude of " people first" education model is the very secret of CWLPS success in Water Law Policy and Science education.

At present I am working as Private Secretary to Minister for Communication, Science and technology in Tanzania. I am delighted to find that the LLM (Water) program has enhanced my competency and confidence. The program broadened my skills and knowledge and taught me about new paradigms in water management that I can apply to the management of national and Trans-boundary waters that lay within my country as we struggle towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Bearing in mind that, water is the most daunting challenges faced by the world to day, UNESCO Centre for Water Law Policy and Science is a resourceful Centre compare to none in providing individual attention that we all need. CWLPS helped me along the way and |I am proud of my accomplishments that enabled me to join the generation of local water experts in Africa. I understand that the Centre really is on the cutting edge and have played a big part of the success that I have had. For example my dissertation is a working document used by Ministry of Water and Irrigation in Tanzania during the negotiation with riparian States on the use of Nile Water. Moreover, I was engagement by the University of Dar es Salaam on part time basis to teach International Water law to students from SADC countries who attended IWRM Water-net program run by the University annually.

In consideration to the aforesaid, I have the honor and privilege as an International ex-student from Tanzania, to introduce UNESCO Centre for Water Law Policy and Science (CWLPS) to respective LLM and PhD (Water) students all around the World.