Meshack Ouma, a Master’s student pursuing Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, has secured a one-year paid internship opportunity in Lemvig, Denmark. Ouma, who is set to travel to Denmark on 7th November, 2024, will be attached to a large-scale pig farm that produces piglets for export to Poland, Germany and France. On Tuesday, 29th October, 2024, staff from the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET), held a meeting at the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL) to express best wishes to Ouma, as well as to discuss more opportunities available for MMUST students.
“The demand for international opportunities is growing and we need to encourage students to apply, either to work or study abroad,” stated the Director-DIAL, Dr. Umulkher Ali, adding that such opportunities are crucial to boosting the visibility of the University. During the meeting, Dr. Ali revealed that one (1) more student from MMUST was shortlisted for this particular internship; Joy Wesonga, who is in the process of applying for a visa.
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Master’s student Meshack Ouma at DIAL.
In his remarks, the Dean-SAVET, Prof. Vitalis Ogemah, appreciated DIAL for its efforts in identifying national and international opportunities, and negotiating the best terms not only for students, but also for staff. “On behalf of the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology, I would like to congratulate the two students for having been selected in the competitive process. As a School that greatly champions industry exposure for students, we are truly proud of Ouma and Wesonga,” said Prof. Ogemah.
The Director of Career Services- Prof. Robert Egesa, reiterated that this internship is good for MMUST’s visibility. He urged Ouma to be a great ambassador for the University, emphasizing that this will open more doors for MMUST students. “I look forward to more of these arrangements and I hope that our students will utilize such opportunities to bring change in the communities,” remarked Prof. Egesa.
SAVET staff hold a meeting at DIAL ahead of Ouma’s departure to Denmark.
“I am grateful for all the support that I have received throughout the entire process, especially from my School as well as the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages. I am hopeful that this program will enable me to sharpen my skills in agriculture, while I acquire new knowledge that I’ll be very pleased to share with my peers once I come back,” stated Ouma. The student further revealed that he will be the first one from Kenya to work in the farm, which he said has more than four hundred thousand (400,000) pigs and is internationally connected.
Prof. Leonard Wamocho, the Founding Dean-SAVET, was also present during the meeting. He talked about the importance of global exposure for staff and students, saying that this allows them to widen their scope of knowledge and opens them up to more opportunities. On her part, Prof. Alice Ndiema-Ouma’s supervisor, expressed excitement about her student’s achievement, pointing out that agriculture is the backbone of many economies and a lot of people are getting into farming. Similarly, Dr. Everlyne M'mbone Muleke stated that she was happy and proud that SAVET students are placing the University on the global map.
Master’s student Joy Wesonga gives her remarks during the meeting at DIAL.
Students from MMUST are gaining international opportunities, courtesy of the partnerships that have been established by the University. Meshack Ouma’s 1-year internship to Denmark is exactly what MMUST intends for its students, and that is for them to be able to work or be accepted to study anywhere in the world. As Dr. Umulkher Ali stated, more students are needed to work abroad as the demand is increasing. Information about these jobs should certainly be communicated to students in order for them to grab the opportunities.
Please find the posters and document attached below to apply for an Agricultural internship in Denmark!
Apply for an Agricultural internship in Denmark!
By Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Steven Omondi
