The objectives of Understanding & Assistance Missions are to:
- To provide extension work in developing countries through hands on assistance with local farmers.
- Provide guidance and support to RASC Developing Country Member Societies in the staging of an Agricultural Show.
- Strengthen links between young people in building Networks for future assistance and cooperation.
- Increase Respect and Understanding amongst young future leaders.
- Provide a learning opportunity for sponsored NG delegates to enable them to share and contribute their knowledge in the mission’s host country
- Grow delegates’ agricultural perspective to create a positive impact once returning home.
ABOUT NG
Mission History
The Youth Forum held at the Calgary Conference 2006 discussed collaboration amongst young agriculturalists over a visit by the NG group to a developing. The RASC agreed, and identified that there is a great opportunity as well as enthusiasm for collaboration.
- In countries where there is a very low literacy rate, particularly amongst rural communities, there is great worth in providing agricultural advice of that go back to basic principles. These can usually also be demonstrated in a practical way that is easy to understand.
- The participation in the mission by delegates from developing countries is vital in transferring knowledge between countries where agricultural practices and techniques may be of a similar nature.
- It is also beneficial for the farmers visited to interact with young farmers from both developed and developing countries.
- The effectiveness of the group is increased by having contributors from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.
- The Next Generation has successfully organized 3 Understanding & Assistance Missions which have taken place in Zambia 2007 (youtu.be/SiMBCnyArlo), Papua New Guinea 2009 and Singapore/India 2011.
The President, HRH The Princess Royal, has actively encouraged and supported the Society in its work within developing countries and in her address during the CAC in Edinburgh, she spoke of the importance and worth of the NG Missions to all RASC member societies and encouraged them to participate.
The 4th NG Mission will take place in 2013 and planning details will be published soon.
Contact Next Generation
For further information please contact:
RASC Hon Next Generation Facilitator
Aled Jones & Will Hyde