SSDPP Elects New International Students Leaders, 2018

Few weeks ago the school of Social Development and Public Policy (SSDPP) conducted elections of the new International Students Union leaders. The electoral process began with the announcement of three positions through emails by the Program Coordinator, Ms. Zhu Lei; she encouraged all SSDPP international students to apply before the Election Day. The First-year Students with the support of outgoing Second-year Students Leaders elected the President, the Vice President and the Coordinator by the end of election afternoon on Monday, October 15, 2018. 

 

 

International Students preparing to choose new leaders

 

In celebration of his victory, the newly elected President, Andreas Kierkegaard said, “I want to thank you all for entrusting me with the leadership. I have been to China a number of times leading a group of students from different countries, and I hope my international experiences and learning will help me to serve all students better”. The seemingly excited Andreas is a first year student of Master of Development Studies of Contemporary China and comes from Denmark.

 

 

The Newly elected International Students President, Andreas Kierkegaard

 

“I’m happy to be elected as the Vice President of the International Students Union, I will try my best to work with fellow leaders and everyone to ensure a conducive study environment for all students of SSDPP”, Josephine Namuyiga said to a round of applause. Josephine is a graduate of Makerere University of Uganda in Africa and the only woman who has successfully contested for the position of the Vice President.  

 

Josephine Namuyiga delivering her victory speech

Alejandro Artiach who was elected as the Coordinator; in his statement emphasized the need to foster academic excellence, community and entrepreneurship spirit through raising curiosity among fellow students and enhance coordination with other stakeholders within the school, university and beyond.

The outgoing president of International Students Union, Edward Lama expressed his gratitude for their willingness to assume the leadership role and welcomed them to the union. Most importantly, he offered to work with them whenever they need his assistance while he is still waiting to graduate. The outgoing Vice President, Lwana Kamanga further wished the new leadership well and encouraged them to be fully devoted to the service that they have chosen to join. 

 

 

A group picture with newly elected leaders

 

To ensure smooth transition of the leadership, the school through Ms. Zhu Lei and outgoing union leaders organized a meeting to welcome and introduce the new leaders to the school operations. The meeting shared experiences and activities from previous year as well as formulated plans for this year. Again, each of the new leaders was given a chance to make a brief speech about themselves and their distinct roles.

 

 

 

 

 

Edward Lama making a presentation during the meeting

Finally, the school issued certificates of membership to the newly elected leaders and promised to provide any support they may need in order to deliver their duties effectively. They were also taken around the school premises as a way of orienting them on how to access facilities and accessories for use during meetings, parties, conferences among other important activities. 

 

Program Coordinator and the New Students leaders displaying their certificates   

 

The newly elected International Students leadership is comprised of the President, Andreas Kierkegaard, the Vice President, Josephine Namuyiga and the Coordinator, Alejandro Artiach. The outgoing International Students Union consisted of Edward Lama who served as the President, Lwana Kamanga as the Vice President and the Coordinator was Mxolisi Sibiya. New Union leaders will start executing their duties soon, which will include organizing parties, representing SSDPP international students in different forums and other activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by: Lwana Palwendo Kamanga

Edited by: Edward Lama

Photos by: Edward and Lwana