At Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Mauritius, we believe in nurturing young minds and inspiring the next generation of agricultural innovators. On Friday 2 August 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting 30 students from Grand Montagne School in Rodrigues, offering them a glimpse into the world of higher agricultural education.
A Warm Welcome and Introduction
The day kicked off with a welcome from our Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Assoc Prof J.,Govinden Soulange. She explained our faculty's pivotal role in advancing agricultural knowledge and practices. The Dean's words resonated with the students as she underscored the critical importance of agricultural production in our modern world. Already studying agricultural sciences at the secondary level, these young minds showed a genuine interest in deepening their understanding of the field.
Exploring Cutting-Edge Facilities
Our guests made a tour of our facilities, each stop offering unique insights into different aspects of agricultural studies:
- Food Technology Laboratory: Here, students witnessed the intricate processes involved in food science, getting a taste of potential career paths in this exciting field.
- Microbiology Laboratory: The fascinating world of microorganisms came alive, demonstrating their significance in agriculture.
- Computer Laboratory: Modern technology's role in agricultural research and management was on full display, showcasing how data analysis is revolutionizing the field.
- Zoology Laboratory: This stop highlighted the importance of understanding animal biology in agricultural sciences.
At each lab, our university students were engrossed in practical classes, providing our visitors with a real-time view of university-level studies. Our laboratory officers took the time to explain the functions of various equipment, illustrating the high-tech nature of modern agricultural research.
Hands-On Farm Experience
The farm visit was undoubtedly a highlight of the day. Our young visitors explored:
- The nursery, learning about plant propagation techniques
- The poultry unit, gaining insights into modern animal husbandry practices
- Crop fields, where they watched our students sowing peanuts and maize
- The orchard, showcasing the diversity of fruit production
Peer-to-Peer Connections
One of the most valuable aspects of the visit was the interaction between the Rodrigues students and our current Faculty of Agriculture students. These conversations provided a unique, relatable perspective for the visiting students, helping them envision their own potential futures in agricultural education.
Looking to the Future
As the only tertiary institution in Mauritius offering comprehensive agricultural education, we take immense pride in showcasing our programs and facilities. Visits like these are crucial in inspiring the next generation of agricultural scientists, researchers, and innovators.
The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the Grand Montagne School students were truly heartening. They asked insightful questions, showed genuine interest in the various facets of agricultural education, and left with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in this field.
We extend our sincere thanks to the teachers and staff of Grand Montagne School for organizing this visit. We hope this experience has planted seeds of curiosity and ambition in these young minds. Who knows? We might be welcoming some of these bright students as our own in the coming years!
No comments:
Post a Comment