By Eduardo Antonio Carreño Campos, Carlos Enrique Díaz Villanueva
and Kristoff Derveaux
On May 7, Saxion University of Applied Sciences had the honor of welcoming the Ambassadors of Panama, H.E. Ms. Sally Loo Hui, and Peru, H.E. Ms. Franca Deza Ferreccio, who together with Mr. Eduardo Antonio Carreño Campos and Mr. Carlos Enrique Díaz Villanueva, education attachés of these diplomatic missions accredited in The Hague, visited our main campus in Enschede. The purpose of the visit was to introduce the ambassadors to Saxion, the Civil Engineering program, and the research group Sustainable Areas and Soil Transitions (SAST). This visit marked an important step toward strengthening future collaboration.
In recent years, students of the Civil Engineering program of Saxion carried out two educational projects for organizations in Panama (IDIAP http://www.idiap.gob.pa/) and Peru (OTASS https://www.gob.pe/otass). These projects were possible thanks to the connections established between Saxion and Latin American organizations through their embassies in The Hague. Additionally, one student completed an on-site internship with a Panamanian company, further strengthening the collaboration and practical learning experience.
Program of the Day – The day began with presentations introducing the ambassadors to Saxion as an educational and research institution. The ambassadors of Peru and Panama then presented their respective countries, highlighting their strengths and challenges. The municipality of Enschede also participated, sharing their challenges related to climate adaptation. The municipality was invited as part of Saxion’s ambition to be a strong regional partner and to collaborate on addressing local challenges.
After a quick lunch filled with pleasant conversations, the research groups SAST and Sustainable Building Technology (SBT) were introduced. Opportunities for collaboration on research projects were discussed, with the aim of strengthening our shared knowledge base and learning from one another.
Students Take the Stage
A key part of the program was the presentation of the Civil Engineering curriculum, which will be offered entirely in English starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. This opens the door for students from Panama and Peru to study in Enschede.
Two student groups presented their educational projects. The first group showcased their graduation project on climate-adaptive, circular, and traffic-oriented redesign of a residential area. The second group focused on the renovation of a bridge in Amsterdam and the associated logistical processes. The ambassadors showed great interest in the projects.
Excursion and Closing
On this sunny day, a mini-excursion was organized to Kristalbad, a well-known water management and sanitation regional project carried out by the Vechtstromen Water Authority. The ambassadors were given a guided tour and expert explanation on the project objectives. Upon returning to Saxion, they also visited the Trendy Water Centre, where technologies for reusing water of various qualities/sources were demonstrated—technologies that could also be applied in other countries.
The day concluded with a drink, and the ambassadors were presented with a “Bag to School” as a token of appreciation.
Looking Ahead
We look back on a very successful and enjoyable day. Collaboration with Panama and Peru will be further strengthened through additional educational and research projects.
The role of the ambassadors is crucial in this, as they serve as a bridge between their countries and Saxion.
Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to both ambassadors for visiting our university in Enschede.
