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The National Ploughing Association is delighted that the two farmers, Julius Itiakorit and Solomon Ajak from the Mbale VIVA* Co-op in eastern Uganda whom the NPA are funding to attend the prestigious Baraka Agricultural College in Kenya, are thriving in the experience.   On completion of the course in Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development the farmers will return home to work the land and use their new knowledge to help their local community.

The 16 month course, which commenced in the Baraka Agriculture College during the summer, is educating and training the two students to be efficient, sustainable farmers, trainers of others and facilitators of development in their communities.

NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “The Ploughing Association are delighted to be in a position to fund these students to the total cost of €5,000, which is covering their academic course fees,
accommodation, food and travel.  This is an incredibly worthwhile cause and one very close to the NPA’s core ploughing and sustainable farming values.  Both of the students Julius and Solomon, are very impressive and once they have graduated from the course they will be empowered with knowledge and expert techniques to assist themselves and their neighbours.”

According to Mike Burke of VIVA, “the support of the NPA in funding these scholarships is vital in ensuring the sustainability of the project. These two farmers will return to their community and have made a commitment to mentor and train their fellow farmers for five years. They will be a huge educational resource for their community. The co-operation of VIVA and NPA in this unique project (which is part-funded by Irish Aid) is a unique example of solidarity between Irish farmers and vets and their colleagues in the Developing World.”