We envision a future when more young people become skilled small and medium farmers. We are contributing to this future by supporting agriculture high schools to equip their students with relevant technical skills and knowledge, better entrepreneurial skills, and motivation to become farmers.
CONTEXT
The “Growing Through Agricultural Education” program is the first and most comprehensive initiative dedicated to reforming agricultural education. In recent years, steady progress has become visible both among agricultural high schools and across the wider agricultural ecosystem. The program has strong national coverage and generates significant results.
Each year, agricultural high schools participate in various components of the program: they learn about new technologies, develop their capacity to collaborate with companies for student internships and study visits, implement entrepreneurial education programs, and receive support in promoting their educational offer to attract more students. As a result of these interventions, agricultural high schools have consistently improved their enrolment rate: in recent school years, the 59 agricultural schools have occupied over 80% of available spots for 9th grade. In parallel, through the consortium’s advocacy efforts, agricultural education has been successfully placed on the government agenda: the Ministry of Agriculture allocates an annual budget dedicated to school rehabilitation and investment.
High schools will be attractive to future students and business partners only if they demonstrate up‑to‑date content and respond to the economic needs of their region. To be successful, it is essential for them to better define their role in the local economy and understand the major trends that will transform agriculture in the future—from climate change to new technologies.
STRATEGY
Key directions of the program:
(1) New technologies in agriculture
Modernizing technical agricultural knowledge by creating replicable models, new educational resources, training and study visits for teachers, and involving experts and industry companies in webinars for teachers and students.
(2) Relevant internships
Supporting work-based learning, building strong partnerships with agricultural companies, and facilitating peer learning among teachers through communities of practice.
(3) Entrepreneurial education
Creating new relevant case studies, supporting entrepreneurial education in classrooms, and organizing local and national competitions with business ideas developed by agricultural high school students.
(4) Communication and promotion
Supporting high schools through promotional activities to attract more students and through general communication efforts to mobilize agricultural industry stakeholders and public authorities.
(5) Research and advocacy
Informing public authorities about the real needs of agricultural education through research, meetings, and public events.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- 59 agricultural high schools included in the program
- At least 2,500 students improve annually their knowledge and skills related to technology in agriculture
- At least 2,500 students improve annually their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills
- 200 teachers involved annually