The leaders of the parties. Photo: S&I, CSF and VeSte
Ruth Amoako-Adusei (25), MSc student of Organic Agriculture, and leader of the Christian Student Party (CSF)
‘I came to the Netherlands from Ghana two years ago for my Master’s. I am standing for election for the CSF because I identify with their Christian values of integrity sustainability and being guided by Biblical principles. I know that some people don’t want to be associated with religion, but I think Biblical values contribute to a well-functioning society. I represent an international perspective and Christian values, and I want to make a contribution with my knowledge and experience.
‘A lot of students are struggling with online education. Some have to study in the same room where they eat and sleep. I’m on an internship at present, and I’m struggling with that. Imagine if you had to take courses. Or if you started at the university in February. Is this the education you came to Wageningen for? Lectures from last year? For that, you could have stayed at home. I know teachers are doing all they can. We need to brainstorm and find out what’s the best way to preserve the quality of the education.’
Lan Rajlic (25), MSc student of Management, Economics and Consumer Studies, and leader of the Sustainability and Internationalization party (S&I)
‘To me, sustainability and integration are very important. My motto is: “integration through education.” I believe that the best way to integrate, collaborate and share ideas is to organize ‘soft skill’ events such as debates. If I get elected to the Student Council, I will set up a monthly event so that students can get to know us better. Then we can represent them better. It can also help students get to know and understand each other better.
‘At present, some students are finding the lockdown difficult. People are not cut out to be isolated. The Student Council could form a channel for organizing events. Online for now, and when the measures are relaxed, offline as well, in a responsible way. Meet and greets, where everyone is welcome to talk about anything they like. Low-threshold social events. Perhaps a picnic or a walk in the woods.’
Wieb Devilee (20), BSc student of Environmental Sciences, and leader of the United Students party (VeSte)
‘VeSte’s core values are high-quality education, students’ broad development and an active student life. I share those values. In SSR-W, the student society, I was on the social committee, which organizes activities to raise money for charity. Last year I was on the research committee of the National Chamber of Societies, and we looked at student welfare: what are the issues, and what steps could societies take to support their members with wellbeing problems? I spent the last six months on an exchange in Guelph, Canada.
I stand for three main points. I want to help make sure that online education doesn’t harm the quality of the education. You can see problems arising with practicals and tutorials now. Solutions have to be found for those things. Secondly, I want WUR to take part in a flexible studying pilot, in which students can pay fees per course. That creates more scope for students who want to serve on a board for a year, and for top sportspeople and students who are also carers. It makes it easier financially to study at your own pace. Thirdly, I want the university to allocate more funding to sustainability initiatives by student organizations.’