The visit by the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) to Egerton University Main Campus in Njoro was a momentous occasion for both students and the university administration. AICAT, a non-governmental organization based in Sapir, Israel, has been providing agricultural training to students from academic institutions in over 13 countries since its establishment in 1994, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The collaboration between AICAT and Egerton University was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University. This partnership will enable selected students to pursue 11 months of studies at the AICAT facility in Arava, Israel. The students will reside in a community setting and will be assigned tutors according to their respective fields of study. The comprehensive program includes lectures, meetings with renowned experts, and exposure to modern standards, methods, and technologies practiced in Israel, all aligned with the syllabus.
"The visit by AICAT to Egerton University marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide agricultural training worldwide," said Hanni Arnon, the Director of AICAT, during this year's recruitment briefing at the Research Centre. "Our program is based on the principle of learning by doing, offering a winning combination of practical training, theoretical studies, community life, and guided tours. This unique approach provides students with invaluable experience in today's world."
Arnon emphasized the value of practical training on advanced and modern farms, highlighting the AICAT facility's role in preparing students to overcome challenges and contribute to positive change in the world. She also mentioned that the students would have the opportunity to explore various places of interest and tourist attractions in Israel, promoting relaxation and wellness benefits.
Kenya's first cohort joined the AICAT program in 2016, and since then, students from public universities have been recruited to participate in the program in Israel. The program is open to students specializing in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and Biosystems Engineering. It spans 11 months, during which students are assigned to well-established, modern farms in Kibbutz and Moshavs.
Under the guidance of experienced farmer mentors, the students engage in practical training on these farms, dedicating one to two days per week to frontal studies at the college. At the end of the program, each student is required to present a monitored research project, showcasing their acquired skills and knowledge.
Professor Chepchieng', the Director of the Board of Undergraduate Studies (BUGS) at Egerton University, explained during the briefing that the purpose was to guide the students through the AICAT program, providing them with detailed information about the rules and regulations to observe during their stay and visit to the agricultural facility.
"We are excited about the Memorandum of Understanding that we have with AICAT. It is a cooperative training program for students in Agriculture in Israel," said Prof. Chepchieng'. He highlighted the University's involvement in the selection of participants based on AICAT's conditions and student profile. The University also assists with travel arrangements, including visa processing and providing a full medical report.
The general requirements for the students include being aged between 20 to 28 years upon arrival in Israel, currently studying in their second year of higher education or beyond, having a positive outlook towards Israel and its people, respecting the culture, customs, and traditions of the people of Israel, complying with the working system and regulations of the training institutions, accepting tasks, professional guidelines, and evaluations, refraining from engaging in activities beyond academic assignments, being in good health and having good mental strength (as supported by a medical report), and abiding by the laws and regulations of Israel.
AICAT retains the final say in admitting students to the program based on their conditions and the submitted student profiles. The officials from AICAT emphasized that the experience would be enjoyable and engaging, offering opportunities for students to interact with peers from around the world. Arnon encouraged the students to acquire skills that could be applied to address global issues, particularly in the areas of food security and technology.
Reflecting on the visit, Deputy Ambassador Drora Dorsman Yarkoni of the Israeli Embassy in Kenya expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "The partnership between AICAT and Egerton University is a testament to the strong relationship between our two countries. It promotes knowledge exchange and collaboration in the agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting both nations."
She encouraged the students to make a difference in the world during their stay in Israel, emphasizing the significance of addressing global challenges, such as food security and food technology. Yarkoni highlighted AICAT's commitment to training students to overcome these obstacles and bring about positive change. She also emphasized that the students would have the opportunity to explore various places of interest and tourist attractions in Israel, providing them with relaxation and wellness benefits.
The AICAT program has been a success in Kenya since its inception in 2016, with students from public universities benefiting from the training and exposure provided in Israel. The program's hands-on approach, with practical training on modern farms and dedicated frontal studies, equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the agricultural sector.
The collaboration between AICAT and Egerton University demonstrates the commitment to fostering international partnerships in the field of agriculture. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the cultivation of global perspectives among students.
As the AICAT program continues to expand its reach, it is expected to make a significant contribution to the agricultural sector not only in Kenya but also in other participating countries. The students who participate in the program will gain valuable insights and experiences that will shape their careers and enable them to make a positive impact in their respective countries.
The visit by AICAT to Egerton University Main Campus in Njoro marks a new chapter in the partnership between Israel and Kenya, strengthening ties and fostering mutual understanding. With the exchange of knowledge and collaboration, both nations can work together to address common challenges in the agricultural sector and build a sustainable future.
Story written by: Ian Martin & Kurian Musa
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
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