Hana El Sarky, a 3rd year student of Politics with Economics at University of Bath, joined DelAgua as part of our student placement partnership with the University. She shares her experience working in Rwanda below:
“I have always aspired to align my work with a purpose greater than myself, contributing to a more sustainable, equitable world. Joining DelAgua has been a natural extension of this vision, allowing me to make a tangible impact while growing both personally and professionally.
Working as a Carbon Market Analyst in Rwanda has been a highly valuable experience. I was immersed in the complex dynamics of the carbon market and gained firsthand insight into what it takes for a company to navigate and master such a rapidly evolving space. DelAgua has been the perfect environment for this learning journey; pioneering, expanding, and adapting to change, all while maintaining supportive and uplifting workplace culture.
In such an exciting and fast-paced field, no two days at DelAgua are the same. From tracking prices and following news and policy changes to analysing updated methodologies, I have developed a strong understanding of the intricacies of this sector. I’ve enjoyed being entrusted with meaningful responsibilities, including conducting detailed research and analysis for current projects, exploring expansion opportunities, and presenting my findings and ideas to senior management.
One of the highlights of my time here was spearheading my own research project on the impacts of Community Health Workers (CHWs). DelAgua leverages a network of over 7,000 community-based health workers to support the distribution of improved cook stoves and subsequent educational household visits and ongoing support to the beneficiaries. CHWs are well suited for this role due to their involvement in the community’s development projects, therefore fostering a high level of trust among the community. Their established credibility makes it easy for the community to adopt the stoves. DelAgua trains CHWs how to use a smartphone and navigate the DelAgua app in order to accurately capture data collected during distributions and household visits.
This project allowed me to take ownership of a topic that directly connects to DelAgua’s mission. I created my own data collection plan, carried out primary research, and synthesized my findings into actionable insights for the team. A challenging but incredibly rewarding experience that underscored the value of evidence-based decision-making in creating real world impact.
It has been a very dynamic time to be involved in the carbon markets and I have experienced firsthand significant shifts in carbon policy. From updates regarding Article 6 and increased government involvement to the unveiling of CORSIA requirements, I have gained invaluable insights into the intricate workings of the carbon market. Observing how the DelAgua team reacts and adapts to these changes, continuously staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market, has been both inspiring and educational.
Beyond the tangible skills I have acquired, there are unspoken benefits to working with such a cohesive and dynamic team. Witnessing this level of collaboration, where different sections of the company function in harmony and move as one, has been an incredible learning experience. It’s a model of teamwork and adaptability that I hope to carry with me in future roles.
I often reflect on the unique experiences I’ve had during my time here which I may not have encountered in another role. Field visits stand out as a highlight, allowing me to witness the real-world impacts of DelAgua’s work. Seeing the major impacts of clean cookstoves and interacting with people who have experienced these life-changing benefits has been eye-opening. These interactions served as a reminder of why carbon credit generation is so crucial to channel funds and opportunities into countries with such great potential and room for growth.
Outside of the office, living in the peaceful and uplifting city of Kigali has been life changing! I have had the opportunity to meet fascinating people and explore my interests. The city’s vibrant sports community has furthered my passion for an athletic lifestyle, where I have been active in boxing, hiking, running and even holding my own weekly Pilates classes.
Rwanda’s incredible scenery and wildlife have allowed me to explore amazing places and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views. Beyond that, it has provided the unique opportunity to travel within the continent, including a memorable visit to Tanzania. Beyond the natural beauty, the warmth and kindness of the community have been equally remarkable. I’ve formed meaningful connections, made wonderful friends, and great memories.
Overall, my time with DelAgua has been a truly transformative experience, allowing me greater clarity of where I belong and where I wish for my career to go. As I reflect on my journey with DelAgua, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work. The lessons I’ve learned and the connections I’ve made will continue to inspire me in my career and beyond.”
Eric Izerimana, DelAgua’s Data and Training Coordinator worked closely with Hana. He had this to say about her time at DelAgua. “Working with Hana during her 6-month internship as a Carbon Market Development Analyst was a great experience. She was enthusiastic, quick to learn, and contributed valuable insights. As a Data and Training Coordinator, I appreciated her proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail. We collaborated on two projects: evaluating DelAgua’s impact on community health workers and assessing the delivery of their training. Hana’s effective communication and teamwork made her a valuable asset, leaving a lasting positive impact on our work.”
