My name is Euclinton, and I am from Mozambique. Prior to my fellowship in Ireland, I graduated in Animal Science Engineering from the Instituto Superior Politécnico de Gaza in Mozambique, which included an exchange programme at the University of Missouri-Columbia in the United States. Then I worked as a Technical Assistant at the African Union Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC) in Ethiopia under the Youth Volunteer Corps. AU-PANVAC is a specialised body of the African Union Commission responsible for ensuring the quality of veterinary and biological materials produced and exported within Africa, as well as for imported vaccines to African member states. In my role, I was involved in various stages of veterinary vaccine testing and certification and conducted research on the development of biological testing kits used by African member states for detecting veterinary diseases. Additionally, I contributed to the screening of the viability of veterinary vaccines, ranging from bacterial to viral vaccines, and supported administrative tasks such as inventory management and reporting.

As a Fellow of the Ireland Fellows Programme, I pursued a Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development at University College Dublin (UCD). The programme’s focus on policy analysis provided me with invaluable tools to assess and address developmental challenges. UCD's reputation for excellence in agricultural research and its comprehensive taught and research programmes made it an ideal choice. My interest lies in understanding the drivers behind the challenges of achieving resilient livelihoods. For instance, despite Mozambique's vast agricultural potential, with over 3 million hectares of farming land, the country struggles to maximise agricultural yields. This is due to factors such as limited access to credit and funding for young people, which hinders the development of the predominantly youthful rural farming community. Recognising these significant challenges, I sought to learn the crucial concepts for understanding socioeconomic issues in agricultural development. My aim was to gain both the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to overcome barriers to agricultural progress, both globally and in Mozambique. My goal is to leverage the high-quality education and skills acquired at UCD to provide innovative solutions in my professional endeavours, contributing to sustainable agricultural development.

Upon completing my studies, I have notably enhanced my ability to conduct extensive research, with a particular emphasis on utilising critical thinking as a tool for policy analysis and decision-making. Additionally, I have honed my strategic communication skills, understanding that information, without an effective communication strategy, has minimal impact on the intended audience. My time at UCD underscored the importance of this collaboration, prompting me to continually refine and apply my communications abilities to achieve greater effectiveness and strategic outcomes.

The most unforgettable memories from my time in Ireland involve exploring the country, navigating the majestic Irish countryside, and learning about the historical significance of regions such as county Roscommon, Cork, and Galway, and their contributions to development and local communities. These experiences are deeply meaningful to me, as they highlight how Ireland's impressive level of development has been driven by rural development activities. The continued role of rural areas in social and economic spheres is crucial. Every visit to a national park left me mesmerised and overjoyed, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to appreciate Ireland's abundant natural beauty. These rural areas not only enhance community life through tourism, but also provide economic resilience, supporting livelihoods and offering a profound understanding of the authentic Irish experience.

Upon completing my fellowship, I undertook an internship with the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). After concluding my internship in October 2021, I commenced my current role as a Programme Policy Officer (as of August 2024) at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). In this capacity, I support the coordination of School Feeding Programmes, with a focus on project management. My responsibilities primarily involve government partnership coordination, funds management, and monitoring and reporting. In my role, I have had the opportunity to share the skills I have acquired with colleagues, both within my field of study and across various assignments. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in driving positive change in the workplace.

My studies and experiences in Ireland have provided me with a more mature perspective on life and an appreciation for each moment. Pursuing my education during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the profound value of human interaction, as I witnessed the loss of many lives. This period led me to reassess and realign my worldview, emphasising the need for a balance between work and family to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.

My career aspirations are focused on leveraging my skills to drive change and pursuing further learning through a PhD degree. Broadly, I aim to continue advancing in the field of project management, recognising its critical role in development. By applying my expertise in rural development, I intend to address challenges in humanitarian interventions.

The Ireland Fellows Programme was a marvellous and life-changing opportunity. I advise successful Fellows to take each day one step at a time, make friends, and don't hesitate to speak to your professors whenever you need. And please, please, please explore Ireland! (Tip: Visit Glendalough National Park in county Wicklow in the spring and Killarney National Park in county Kerry in the fall). Ultimately, make lots of memories because time flies.