Joseph BELBRUN, a master's student in society and interculturality at the University of Guyana and currently student vice-president, shares his experience and his role as an elected representative. One of the many responsibilities he assumes.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I have a Master's degree in Law. I'm currently doing a Masters in Society and Interculturalism. I find this course very interesting because it gives us a different perspective on French Guyana and the people who make it up. It also complements my law studies to a certain extent. If you want to be a good lawyer in French Guiana, you need to be able to understand the different populations and their individual characteristics.
Why the University of Guyana?
I chose the University of Guyana for my studies because I wanted an environment on a human scale, with accessible teaching and a healthy atmosphere between students. The University of French Guyana also offered me training that was adapted to the needs of the region, so that I could be connected to the world of work.
A look back at your role as Student VP
Why did you choose to become VP Students and what are the main projects you would like to carry out during your term of office?
Becoming a student vice-president came naturally to me, with the support of my fellow students and a large part of the university community. For me, it's an important commitment that I place at the heart of my university career. I have the opportunity, alongside all the students, to have a positive impact on our university environment and to ensure that the concerns of Guyanese students are taken into greater account at both local and national level. I hope that my term of office will help to build a positive image of Guyanese students, who are capable of getting involved in causes that are close to their hearts, and who have a vision for their university, particularly with regard to the creation of an autonomous CROUS Guyane that is exclusively at the service of Guyanese students.
During my term of office, I would like to help develop the university community. I would like every student to develop their potential and use the voluntary sector to express their ideas and passions.
My ambition is also to set up a solidarity grocery shop (on campus or nearby) dedicated exclusively to students. The idea is for this to be a student-run structure, which will enable us to demonstrate our expertise and proudly develop solidarity between students.
If you had to describe the ambition of your mandate in three words, which would you choose? Why or why not?
The three words that best describe my mandate are: awareness, consultation and conviction. As a student at the end of my university career, I feel a responsibility to pass on to the new arrivals an enlightened understanding of student issues and the development of the University of Guyana within its environment.
My ambition is for every student to understand that for collective success, it is essential to become a committed player rather than a mere spectator. That's why it's important to get actively involved in making a positive difference to campus life.
A student commitment!
In your opinion, what are your main responsibilities towards the students at the University of Guyana?
The Vice-President is a representative elected by the university's student body. My main role is to act as a link between students and the university administration. My role is to listen to the needs, concerns and ideas of all students, whatever their DFR, course of study or level of study. In practical terms, this means that I take part in the University's decision-making bodies (such as the Academic Board and various committees) in order to represent students' interests, voice our concerns and ensure that university policies are in line with our needs. I also work closely with the university administration to resolve academic problems, facilitate administrative procedures and respond to students' specific needs. This may include issues relating to tuition, resource management or the coordination of cultural and community events.
Many hats!
You also wear another hat, that of President of the student associations. What does this job entail?
The key aspect of my role is to support student associations.
To achieve this objective, the majority of student association presidents and I created APAÉ, the "Assemblée des Présidents d'Associations Étudiantes de l'Université de Guyane", of which I am now President.
This tool is there to support associations in carrying out their projects, to help them turn their ideas into reality and to put them in touch with the appropriate contacts within the university.
This association is of particular importance to me, as my role is to ensure that it endures and is passed on to each new generation of committed students.
I'm very proud of the creation of APAÉ, because it's a collaborative project developed by students for students.
About Joseph BELBRUN
A student on a master's degree in society and interculturality at the University of Guyana, and currently student vice-president, shares his experience and his role as an elected representative. One of the many responsibilities he assumes.
