Students of the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses unite very different cultural and occupational backgrounds. The Master’s programme “Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy (PPRE)” at the University of Oldenburg has been honoured with the renowned Ars legendi Prize by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) for its “diversity-friendly teaching and learning”. Two scholarship holders explain why PPRE deserves this prize.
Adnan Shihab © private
Adnan Shihab from Bangladesh worked for ‘Bengal Solar’ before his master’s. He delivered the laudation for his degree course at the award ceremony.
The multicultural environment and the structure of the course has made PPRE a unique master degree programme. Not only our classmates but lecturers come from different parts of the world. We had difficulties pronouncing each other’s name at the beginning, but we have experienced excellent tolerance from all sides to overcome these differences. Our courses are also much diversified, they range from typical lectures to hands-on laboratories. We learn the design of wind turbines and at the same time the sustainability of renewable energy projects. I consider myself lucky to be a part of this diverse PPRE family; this degree shall definitely help me to achieve my future goals.
Sonia Rueda ©Privat
Sonia Rueda just completed an internship at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The programme is preparing her for her career goal: project director in the field of energy provision in her home country Columbia.
What makes PPRE excellent? The methodology! Sustainability is illustrated through examples and personal experiences. In this process, the lecturers emphasise “Learning by Doing”. They always have an open ear for the viewpoints of students and are considerate of our different cultural, religious and professional backgrounds. Our diversity is a bonus. The different perspectives that we each bring help us to find more creative and efficient solutions. This triggered something in me. I am now committed to a sustainable lifestyle and have changed my daily habits accordingly. Consciously purchasing region products, rethinking transportation – small contributions with a big impact.
More information about Ars legendi Prize 2016 (in German)
More information about PPRE
