Stories of alumni

Kunzes Dolma GRÓ GTP alumna and PhD scholar is the first woman to be trained in the geothermal profession in India. She has also, since her return, been promoting the use of geothermal in her region of Ladakh, but also having a real impact in improving gender equality, focusing on the participation of women in decision making in Ladakh and opening people’s eyes to domestic violence against women and the need of shelters for women living in such conditions. She is India’s Ambassador for Women in Geothermal (WING), an international organization aimed at promoting the professional development, and advancement of women in the geothermal community.

Shakiru Idrissa Kajugus, GRÓ Geothermal Training Programme (GRÓ GTP) alumnus and MSc Scholarship recipient from Tanzania, is dedicated to harnessing the country’s geothermal potential to drive sustainable energy development. As Director of Business Development at TGDC (Tanzania Geothermal Development Company Limited) Shakiru is leveraging his training and experience to overcome challenges in the geothermal sector. The TGDC is about to drill Tanzania’s first deep geothermal well at Ngozi, one of the country’s most promising geothermal fields, in the southwestern part of the country.

Andrew Evans Opiolo is a committed advocate for sustainable land management in Uganda and a GRÓ LRT 2021 alumnus. His current work focuses on improving food security and sustainable agricultural practices in Uganda. Andrew says that his participation in the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme significantly enhanced his expertise, equipping him with the tools necessary to tackle pressing land management challenges.

"As a visionary leader, I inspire young women to overcome barriers and lead social change for equitable development."