January 26th, 2016 - For a Nevisian young person interested in agriculture, full scholarships are now available at a premier college in Costa Rica.
There are currently three students from Nevis attending EARTH University in Costa Rica, sponsored by Anne Bass, an American living in Camps, who has pledged to send two new students each year to the agricultural school.
EARTH representatives will be on Nevis next week, and persons who are interested in learning more about the school and the scholarship should contact the Education or Agricultural Departments or the principals of Charlestown or Gingerland high schools.
Young people from 40 countries attend EARTH and are learning how to create sustainable development for their countries and to be leaders in fostering agricultural development back at home.
A long-time proponent of land preservation, agriculture and animal husbandry, Mrs. Bass said when she came to Nevis she realized that the strong tradition of agriculture on the island had somehow lapsed.
“There was a real interest in the field but not the education to prepare them for that cause,” Mrs. Bass said.
When she learned about the EARTH program several years ago, she decided to provide scholarships for two Nevisian students each year. Currently three students, Devene Smithen, 22, Prince Arrindell, 20, and Leron Adzil Webbe, 19, are attending the school. Two more students will be selected for full scholarships for the 2017 school year, which will begin in August.
“Don’t think agriculture is only about dirt and soil,” said Devene Smithen. “Agriculture can change Nevis. We can do agro tourism and change the economy.”
“I am learning to be a leader. I love agriculture and am learning how to save the planet and not destroy it,” Devene said. “There are no young people working in farms, like me. I will come back and make a difference, now with Anne Bass at my side. I really thank you and appreciate it,” she told Mrs. Bass when they met during Devene’s holiday break.
A local graduate, Devene previously worked with the agriculture department helping local farmers with cultivation of cotton and pumpkins.
“I really enjoyed working with the farmers and helping them solve their problems. This is when I really understood that agriculture was my passion and that I wanted to pursue my career in this field.”
Devene has not yet focused on a particular aspect of agriculture, but EARTH is introducing her to the many possibilities.
Mrs. Bass is developing a myriad of agricultural projects on Nevis on her property at Tower Hill. Farmers there traditionally raised indigo, cotton, sugar, and coconut as well as cattle. Mrs. Bass is raising disease resistant coconuts and her interest is turning to fruits and vegetables; she has an experimental orchard with different varieties of avocado, banana, pineapple, mango, and other tropical fruits.
“I cannot believe how amazing the plant life is here. There is something about the soil that is different from any other place," she said. "Many hotels are importing most of their food. Here we have rich soil yet we are importing food. My goal is to help the island become self sustaining.”
Mrs. Bass said, “I am hoping that by sending students to EARTH to learn the latest in agricultural science and natural resources management, they will return to Nevis with the skills and environmental and social commitment needed to move in that direction. It is my intention to offer two full scholarships each year for the foreseeable future as well as employment at Tower Hill on graduation. I look forward to working with these young people and seeing what we can accomplish together "
EARTH offers a rigorous four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management and a prestigious, international faculty, providing a world-class scientific and technological education that emphasizes values, ethical entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment.
EARTH was established by Costa Rican law in 1986 as a private, non-profit, international University and was created thanks to the support of the Costa Rican Government, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. It has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. At present, 70 percent of the students receive full scholarships, and 20 percent are on partial scholarships.
Eric Evelyn, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture said, that he is very happy that three students are involved in the EARTH program so far. “We have every hope that the students coming out of EARTH will be champions of new technology, sustainable farm management and better practices for local farmers,” Evelyn said.
Applicants from Nevis can submit their applications to EARTH University until Feb. 29, and they can find more information at the schools website, www.earth.ac.cr, including applications in English that they can fill on line or print. Representatives of the university will meet with Principals at Gingerland and Charlestown High Schools and they will be also ready to support students who want to apply.
Information about the application process is available through the island’s Education or Agricultural Departments, by calling 469-5521.
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