As part of our commitment to both supporting new engineers in developing their careers and supporting organisations working towards a sustainable future, The Happold Foundation provides education abroad travel scholarships to students enrolled on The GREEN Program(TPG).
TGP provides short-term accredited programs using the world as its classroom. Their model expertly balances sustainability-focused course work, exclusive industry exposure and adventure on programs in Iceland, Peru, Japan and Nepal.
Recognising the need to ensure that an education travel experience is available to all, the Happold Foundation partnered with TGP to offer scholarships to students who would not otherwise be able to afford the program. The Happold Foundation has awarded seven scholarships so far.
Ayodimeji Abiola and Gelmu Sherpa received the TGP scholarship in 2018 and took part in the Disaster Mitigation & Nuclear to Renewable Transitions program in Japan. The program focuses on the impacts of the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, and the country’s aspirations for a renewable energy future. Our 2019 Scholars Daryn Renteria and Arielle Rainey are planning to go to Nepal and Iceland
“I knew The GREEN program would be right for me because I have a big passion for renewable energies having had experience in many projects,” she explains. “I believe nuclear energy will continue to expand because nuclear energy has the largest energy density than any energy source and therefore can scale up to suffice high demands and is not affected by the availability of resources. I am also interested in the development of renewable energies, as they will continue to grow and develop. There will be many new energy projects forming – sources of wind, solar, wave, hydropower etc. – and I would like to participate in the research and development of these new innovative ideas.” Gelmu Sherpa, Chemical Engineering Student
During her time in Japan, Sherpa had the opportunity to participate in a varied program that explored the nuclear and renewable industries. “We attended lectures in Fukushima College in the morning and during the day, we had various field trips to wind-mill and solar-power sites as well as hydro-energy companies. We were given access to JAEA technology and played with the 3D holostage of Fukushima Daichi Interiors. This helped me understand how technology is being developed to educate workers for total decommissioning,” she explains. “However, the highlight of TGP for me was the private tour to the affected Fukushima area. From the coach, I saw the remnants of the Fukushima Daichi power plant. This was the most chilling moment in my life, but most of all it gave me inspiration and fuelled my love for renewable energies.”
A digital tour through Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant – copyright Fairewinds
As well as providing invaluable insight into Japan’s nuclear past and renewable energy future, the experience also allowed Sherpa to immerse herself in Japanese culture. “My trip to Japan with TGP was absolutely surreal because everyday was so different. From venturing off and exploring Aizuwakamatsu castle to visiting museums of art and calligraphy, I was able to learn Japan’s history and the beauty of it.”
Looking back at her experience and the impact it had on her education, Sherpa concludes, “receiving this scholarship from the Happold Foundation gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, to travel to a completely different continent, and gain insight and knowledge into Japan’s science and technology.TGP was a once in a lifetime opportunity and everyday was a ‘pinch me’ moment for me. I wish I could do it all over again.”
To find out more about The GREEN Program and the programs they offer, visit www.thegreenprogram.com