SIX senior managers of agricultural training institutes and mission-based community development projects in Africa are attending Bicton College, near Exeter, the Devon agricultural institute.
They are on a six-week institutional management training programme organised by the charity BOAT (Bicton Overseas Agricultural Trust) as part of its Training the Trainer initiative.
In the programme, developed in conjunction with Bicton College, the delegates are involved in all aspects of college management and curriculum delivery, examining a range of topics with BOAT trustees, external trainers and college staff.
Social events have been organised to enable the visitors to meet college students and staff, as well as joining Friends of BOAT and their families at weekends. Off-site trips have included visiting farms and the Devon County Show as part of the itinerary.
BOAT chairman Bill Vellacott said: "We again welcome our visitors in the knowledge of the success these programmes are having back home in the countries supporting their trainers.
"This year we pass the 100 mark for the number who have participated in BOAT programmes here and in their countries – testament to the tremendous support BOAT has received from far and wide since its formation by Devon farmers in 1991."
The course is providing training to help the African visitors understand alternative methods of managing their establishments more efficiently and effectively. This is achieved by introducing them to management styles and models at Bicton College, as well as immersing them in the daily life of a land-based college student.
Reuben Kombe, principal of the Livestock Training Institute at Madaba, Tanzania, said: "When I was selected to come to Bicton I knew I was going to get the best training in agricultural college management.
"Bicton already has a respected image in my country within the agricultural colleges community. Through Bicton, Tengeru College in Arusha is now a light to the rest of us on how to run an agricultural college.
"When I get back to Tanzania I shall use the knowledge obtained through interactions with students, farmers, staff and lecturers to transform the way of running things for improved returns.
"My employer and staff and students at my college are eagerly waiting to hear and benefit from my training at Bicton. And that is exactly what I am going to share and practice. This kind of collaboration is a lubrication to agricultural colleges' development in my country."
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