International students go from harvesting fields to horse feed
Fifteen students from the Marshal Papworth Masters programme visited the UK’s leading horse and pet food manufacturer Dodson & Horrell last month, accompanied by the Funds Patron Lord Iveagh, committee members and tutors from Reading University. The visit was organised as part of the students packed itinerary of activities arranged throughout their year-long studies.
Since it was founded in 2001, the Marshal Papworth Fund has been educating students from developing countries in the UK, providing access to first class academic institutions, as well as the benefit of engagement with large scale manufacturers, such as Dodson & Horrell.
The academic schedule created by the Fund incorporates a mixture of class-based sessions, practical hands-on learning and visitor demonstrations, to provide students with a complete learning experience. An approach which has been supported by recent studies suggesting developing nations may be characterised by lower levels of educational attainment.
Manufacturing pet food since 1939, Dodson & Horrell remains a family owned company, now in the care of the third generation. The company has close links to Africa, where family members grew asparagus and reared cattle, and was keen to give the Marshal Papworth students, many of whom are from the African continent, a taste of the manufacturing process from a leading UK brand.
Lord Iveagh commented: “It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to develop their understanding of the manufacturing process. On the day we were shown how the feed components are sorted, combined and packaged ready for distribution.”
“Students also learnt first-hand about quality and how it underpins every single product supplied by the company. They also gained insight into the importance of investing in innovation to develop new products, and the role that community involvement plays in achieving sustainable farming – lessons the students are looking to develop when they return to their home countries later on in this year.”
Since the Fund’s inception over 120 students from around the world have been awarded scholarships to progress their agricultural and horticultural studies in the UK. In order to continue this work and give more students the opportunity to benefit from the scheme, the Fund relies on donations. To find out more and to make a donation contact Sandra Lauridsen on 01733 363514 or email slauridsen@eastofengland.org.uk.