Name: Abdale

Country: Ethiopia

Study programme: Healthy and Sustainable Buildings 

How do you say 'hello' in your native language: ጤና ይስጥልኝ (Tena yistilign)

What do you like most about Pfarrkirchen? The community mindset of the town and the amount of recreational activities available

What do you like most about DIT? The emphasis they put on teaching and research

Volunteering and a change towards a greener future

The Master´s degree programme Healthy and Sustainable Buildings was the reason why Abdale came to Pfarrkirchen. For him sustainability is an important value. He likes that the ECRI makes it a central priority in its teaching and research. The programme will help him to consider the social, economic and environmental impact humanity has on natural systems. The knowledge he gains at the ECRI will be fruitful for the construction sector back in Ethiopia. There it is not planned in an integrated manner,
but rather operates with fragmented, unrelated and often conflicting components. What Abdale learns in his studies will help overcome sustainability challenges in his home country.

The fact that he moved from a big city to a small town like Pfarrkirchen turned out to be a good thing. It not only provides many recreational activities, but it is surrounded by nature and the people are very community-minded. Since he came here, Abdale regularly gets involved in non-profit work or community projects. Pfarrkirchen has enabled and empowered him to be happier than he has ever been.