Wetskills-NL 2025 – blog 1 –
On February 28th, Lange Voorhout 90 was alive with excitement. The hall was packed with participants from across the globe, and the air buzzed with chatter in multiple languages. It was a lively scene – small groups forming, merging, and reforming as everyone got to know each other over tea and coffee.
With breakfast over, the Wetskills Water Challenges – The Netherlands 2025 officially kicked off. The experienced supervisors, many of whom had been part of this program for years, introduced themselves. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation about Wetskills – its inception, purpose, and how it brings young water professionals together to tackle real-world water challenges. Participants were introduced to the four challenges they would be working on, each addressing critical water-related issues. The schedule was packed with opportunities to connect with key organizations in the water sector, many of whom could implement the solutions to the four challenges. Videos of past Wetskills sessions were showcased, giving everyone an idea that this experience would not just be educational and resourceful, but also incredibly fun.
Next came the participant introductions. This year’s group brought together individuals from Romania, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Oman, South Africa, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates. But besides the usual introductions on the background and interest, there was a creative twist – each person had to pick a random picture from a pile and connect it to themselves in some way. It was a fun exercise in improvisation, revealing personalities, perspectives, and passions. One of the supervisors, Ioana Dobrescu, picked a picture of balloons, which she linked to both joy and plastic pollution – an issue close to her heart. The game allowed everyone to get a deeper understanding of each other beyond just names and backgrounds.
After that, a session on team roles helped participants recognize their strengths and how they could contribute effectively. A test was introduced to help them determine their roles within the team, setting the stage for smooth and effective teamwork. Once the teams were formed, participants gathered with their groups to dive into their respective challenges, exchanging initial thoughts and ideas.
A well-deserved break followed, giving those who had traveled from afar a chance to drop off their luggage at the hostel. The day concluded with a welcome dinner, where the music was loud, but the waves of laughter echoed louder. Conversations flowed effortlessly over pizzas; some groups bonded as a makeshift family, assigning each other playful family roles, while others exchanged cultural insights and travel stories. The night did not seem to end, but as the last slices of pizza disappeared and the energy levels dipped, it was clear the long day had caught up with everyone.
As participants made their way back to the hostel, the first day of Wetskills Netherlands 2025 came to a close. With new connections made, challenges set, and excitement in the air, it was only the beginning of an incredible journey ahead.
