Several of the past and present Peace Fellows keep blogs. We will put links to any that we know about, on Fellows' individual web pages. Please let us know of any we have missed. Thank you.
ROBERT SIJSTERMANS
THE NETHERLAND
Sponsor Rotary Club: The Rotary Club Oegstgeest, District: 1600
Country of citizenship : The Netherlands
Language proficiency: Dutch (native), English (fluent), German (fluent), French (fluent), Spanish (moderate) and Arabic (moderate).
Education: MA International and European Law, Human Rights Specialisation, Clingendael Institute: International Security, University of Utrecht: Contemporary and international conflict management.
Area of special interest: Human rights and HIV/AIDS, international conflict-security and development, international security organisations, international politics.
Background to RWPF Award: Previously I worked at university as a research-assistant on Early Conflict Warning with regard to Human Rights after which I started to work for the ministry of Foreign Affairs on Human Rights and HIV/AIDS in Africa.
I later was stationed in West-Africa for the Dutch Government where I could experience development work through the eyes of different organisations. I currently work as policy advisor and coordinate several national and international security related projects. I develop policy measures on these topics and advise colleagues and other agencies. I've been active as a volunteer on legal advice, peace issues and mediation since my study. I have a personal interest in the Middle-East, Pakistan/India and Africa.
What are you going to do with your RWPF: I see the Rotary Peace Fellowship as an enormous professional and personal opportunity which will allow me to dedicate myself to this cause. I've applied for the MA in conflict, security and development, which is the MA that combines my previous experiences in the development sector with the current experiences as a policy advisor on security issues. I believe that this MA is a seamless transition from my earlier experiences to allow me to take the next step towards expertise of this area.
I consider myself to be a 'pracademic', someone who believes theory should be used in a practical way and vice-versa. I believe the University of Bradford has this in mind when teaching on conflict issues, that is the reason why I applied for Bradford. The applied MA in Bradford will allow me to gain proficient experience and knowledge in the fields that I've been connected to over the last 10 years. I am very much looking forward to interacting with dedicated people from all around the world and learning from their experiences.
In the future I see myself working in conflict areas and/or international security related organisations together with my wife, an International Health expert. So, in a way, the RWPF also allows me to pursue our personal dream of working on Conflict & Health related issues abroad.