On Friday, 30st August 2024, 70  participants from 26 countries received Master’s degrees in in Public Health or  International Health, in a festive graduation ceremony held at KIT Institute in Amsterdam. The ceremony marked the 60^th anniversary of KIT Institute’s Master of Public Health and the 20^th anniversary of the Master of International Health programme.

The graduation was attended by friends, family, KIT Institute staff, and various supporters. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony was broadcast online, ensuring that loved ones from around the world could join in the celebration. The event was further enlivened by the vibrant performances of the ‘Kids of Amsterdam,’ who added a festive touch with their percussion and dance acts.

A Historic Graduation

This event was not just another graduation; it was the 60th anniversary of the Master of
Public Health (MPH) and the 20th of the Master in International Health (MIH).
As such, it carried historical significance, especially as it was the final
joint graduation of these two programmes before the launch next week of the new
merged Master’s programme, the Master in Public Health and Health Equity
(Academic year 2024-2025).

In an address to the graduates, Mayada El-Zoghbi, Managing Director of KIT Institute, praised
them for their commitment to creating a more equitable world. “By coming
here, learning, and equipping yourselves with knowledge, you are now becoming
change agents. I am proud of you,” she said, encapsulating the spirit of
the day.

A Unique Learning Experience

In a similar spirit,  Peterkings Jokoh, one of the graduates from Nigeria, reflected on the the unique learning experience provided by the programme. “This programme afforded us the opportunity to learn on a multinational stage. Our class was a vibrant mix of professionals from various countries, all united by a shared commitment to drive change in our respective homelands. The diversity of cultures and experiences enriched our discussions, allowing us to learn from each other’s backgrounds and contexts. I have gained insights into what works in different countries and look forward to future collaborations. We are equipped not just with knowledge but with the ability to adapt, innovate, and lead. As we embark on this new chapter, let’s be bold in our pursuits and kind in our actions.”

Recognising Professional Growth

Lisanne Gerstel, Team Lead Education, commended the graduates on their journey of professional and personal growth. “No matter how you started, you must feel different to some level now! The collective experiences shared in this course have not only enriched your professional skills but also deepened your understanding of your strengths and limitations. This is a big compliment to you all!” she remarked, acknowledging the graduates’ development throughout the programme.”

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter

As KIT Institute transitions to its new Master’s programme, the institution reaffirms its strategic vision of empowering health professionals to make evidence-based decisions on the ground. The graduates are now part of an extensive network of KIT alumni, prepared to contribute to improving health systems globally.

A Lasting Impact

This year’s 70 graduates follow in the footsteps of thousands of health professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives who have graduated at KIT Institute in the past sixty years. Over the years this has resulted in a global network of change makers who are passing on the knowledge and skills they acquired at KIT to improve the quality of health and healthcare worldwide.

As the graduates return to their respective countries, they carry with them not just a degree but the skills, knowledge, and determination to make a meaningful impact in the world. KIT looks forward to future collaborations with these newly minted agents of change, confident that they will lead in addressing health inequities and challenges worldwide.

Acknowledging Support and Collaboration

The graduation also marked the conclusion of the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP), the scholarship programme from the Dutch government which provided scholarships to many of the graduates. KIT Institute thanks the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  VU University Amsterdam, KIT Fund and its generous donors, the Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Programme, Nuffic Global Development, and all the other organisations and people whose support made this achievement possible.

More information:

Master’s programmes:
KIT organises the Master in Public Health and Health Equity in cooperation with the VU Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.

Learn more about our programmes: www.kit.nl/study

KIT Fund: Support Future Change Makers

You can help empower the next generation of international health professionals by supporting the KIT Fund. Your contribution provides talented health professionals from low-income countries with the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in public health at KIT Institute, equipping them with the skills to create lasting change in their communities and around the world. Together, we can help build stronger health systems and a more equitable world.

Find out more and donate today at KIT Fund.

Kids van Amsterdam:

Learn  more about Kids of Amsterdam: www.dekids.net/

Impressions of Graduation 2024

The video recording of the event will be added soon.

Photo’s by KopiSusu Photography

Nice article in Dutch by digital newspaper Oost-online: Internationale gezondheidsprofessionals klaar om wereldwijd gezondheidszorg te verbeteren | oost-online.amsterdam