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Empowering sustainable agriculture course marks student achievements at annual graduation ceremony

Posted 28 July

The achievements of a group of international students on an empowering sustainable agriculture course have been marked at its annual graduation ceremony.  

The course is sponsored by the  Scholarship Fund (MPSF), with participants selected this year from charities and organisations working in six different African countries – Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. 

Over the course of 10 intensive weeks at ÎÞÂ붯»­ in Shropshire, as well as at agricultural organisations across the UK, the students were given hands-on, practical knowledge to take back to improve businesses and lives in their communities. 

The students gave a series of presentations about what they had learned before taking part in a graduation ceremony.  

Two members of this year’s cohort spoke about their experiences as part of the event. 

Thomas Mbaga, from Tanzania, said: “On this journey of ten weeks we found more than knowledge: we found purpose. 

“Thank you to the Marshal Papworth Fund and the members of the committee of the East of England Agricultural Society for believing in us and investing in our growth, and for your vision that created a path for us to walk with confidence. 

“Professor Ken Sloan and ÎÞÂ붯»­ – your classrooms were more than walls – they were fields where our minds were cultivated.” 

And Esther Tolorunju, from Nigeria, added: “Today marks more than just the completion of an academic journey – it is a celebration of transformation, growth and common values.  

“We came as individuals from different countries, but we leave as one – united by a shared purpose, which is to make agriculture in our communities and our countries more sustainable and more impactful.” 

 The programme was preceded by a six-week online course, which also offered learning opportunities for other students unable to attend in person.  

The students then made their way to the UK, where they welcomed by Sandra Lauridsen, Marshal Papworth co-ordinator, and a Harper Adams delegation led by Senior Lecturer in Sub-Saharan and Tropical Agriculture Ed Mashatise and Taught Postgraduate Programmes Manager Dr Mitch Crook. 

 Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan told the graduating students: “You came with open hearts, open minds, and practical hands – which actually fits very well with the University’s values. “You have thrown yourself into being part of this programme, so to you, I say thank you, and I say that from my heart. 

“To the Marshal Papworth Committee, and also to everyone who has been involved in helping to support it, let us just say that this partnership seems to go from strength to strength. 

“I feel you are as much a part of this University now in terms of what we do because we feel absolutely connected to you – so thank you to all of you.” 

He thanked Harper Adams staff – particularly Ed and Mitch – for their work, and for each individual contribution made to the programme, adding to its overall success. 

This was echoed by Tom Arthey, Chairman of the Marshal Papworth Fund, who also thanked Sandra Lauridsen - the Marshal Papworth Fund Co-ordinator, the students, and the various charities and organisations that had worked with the Fund to bring the students to the UK and to the University. 

This year, those organisations included SLIDEN Africa, VEGPRO, Ripple Effect, Farm Africa, Hands Around the World and the Shangani Holistic Ranch. 

Addressing the graduands, Mr Arthey said: “It is a huge honour that you are going away from here as Harper Adams alumni, as well as Marshal Papworth alumni.”  

He wished them luck for their journeys home and added: “Change won’t happen on day one - be patient with it. 

“But you have been given a huge skillset now, to go and implement change and development within your community – so all our best wishes for that – and please keep in touch!” 

To find out more about supporting the Marshal Papworth Fund contact Co-ordinator Sandra Lauridsen by email at slauridsen@eastofengland.org.uk  or by calling 07764628683.  

The Fund’s website can be found at