Maltreen Sikele
(Kenya – GLODEP cohort 2019–2021)
What is your current position/job, and how did you use IDS master’s experience/its courses to acquire this position?
I’m currently a Senior Associate at IDinsight based in Nairobi. At IDinsight, I use data and evidence to help development leaders make decisions. My GLODEP experience provided a strong theoretical grounding in development economics, which helped me understand the broader context of the challenges we address in my work. The technical courses also strengthened my analytical skills and built on my prior statistics background.
Why did you decide to come to study IDS at Palacky University/Olomouc/Czech Republic?
I wanted a program that could bridge my background in statistics with the development sector, and GLODEP offered exactly that combination. It provided an opportunity to deepen my technical skills while gaining a richer understanding of global development issues.
How was it to study in Olomouc? What were the major challenges?
Studying in Olomouc was both exciting and challenging. It was my first time living outside my home country, so the culture shock was significant, being away from family and friends, adapting to a new environment, and navigating daily life in a new culture.
Moreover, my study period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which came with lockdowns. This intensified the challenges of missing home and dealing with uncertainty. Despite that, I built strong friendships with classmates and locals who became my support system and made the experience memorable.
What were your biggest learnings during the master’s course?
My biggest learning was gaining a global view of development. Before GLODEP, my view of development was limited to my home region. The program broadened my perspective, helping me appreciate how different geographies and contexts shape outcomes. I valued the chance to step away from the “technicalities” of data and dive into the theory, understanding the why and how of development, not just the numbers.
What features from the courses taught do you use in your daily job/position?
My work involves understanding client needs, co-designing solutions and tools, analyzing data, and translating insights into actionable recommendations. Thanks to GLODEP, I’m able to understand the theoretical underpinnings behind the evidence we generate. The program also gave me a global lens, helping me think beyond our immediate context and consider how results might apply across different geographies and development settings.
What more would you like to share about your IDS studies in Olomouc/Czech Republic?
Beyond studying, I got to interact with classmates from many different nationalities, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. I also enjoyed exploring Czech culture, trying new cuisine, and experiencing different ways of life. Despite the pandemic, holding a Schengen visa allowed me to travel across Europe, which enriched my personal experience.
How did the stay in the Czech Republic influence your thoughts and views of our country?
Living in the Czech Republic exceeded my expectations. I didn’t know much about the country beforehand. Although the language barrier was initially tough, learning basic Czech phrases opened doors to more meaningful interactions. I found that Czechs are warm, welcoming, and friendly once you break the ice. I also appreciated the cultural richness, from traditional dishes like knedlíky to enjoying pivo with friends.
What was the most important moment that made you think that the two years of master’s studies outside of home were really worth it?
The moment it truly felt worth it was after graduation, when I began applying for jobs. Opportunities that were previously out of reach suddenly became realistic. I had applied to IDinsight once before and wasn’t successful. After the master’s, I reapplied, made it through the interview process, and ultimately got the job. That experience reaffirmed how valuable the master’s degree was for my career trajectory.