Many Americans wonder why university educated students would return to their small hometown where there is not as much opportunity as the city may offer. I, for one, was one of those Americans who after experiencing one year of college and the “real world” vowed that I would never return to my hometown, a small farming community in northern Indiana. It’s not that there is anything wrong with my hometown but I just couldn’t see what it offered for ME. My excuse was, “there is no opportunity for growth there.” So, why then, would a young adult Brasilian who has been educated at a top university return to their hometown?
Some would argue that they return because their culture encourages them to return and live with family until they are married. Others would argue that even in the city there are not many job opportunities. I would argue that PRECE students have been so strongly supported by the PRECE schools, facilitators and community that they are compelled to return to their hometowns and do something for others rather than simply looking out for their own best interest. In all honesty, it is probably a combination of many factors. Not only do university students who have been through the PRECE system return to their hometowns on weekends and school breaks to facilitate classes, but upon graduation they return and begin establishing small businesses which benefit not only themselves but their entire hometown community.
For the first time FPC volunteers were able to see this in action when they visited an ADEL project. ADEL stands for the Agency of Local Economic Development and in many ways is the completion to the PRECE cycle. ADEL is a way for university students to share their newfound knowledge with their small communities helping to bring economic development to the countryside and in turn empower the communities. The students partner with local producers to help them improve their farming and business techniques. Feel free to check out their blog at http://adel-ce.blogspot.com/ or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000917600780&ref=ts to learn more. While the FPC group was there, we observed a project in which PRECE university students have taught local farmers/producers to harvest and salvage grass during the rainy season so that the animals will have feed during the dry seasons. It seems like a simple concept, but for farmers who used to have to sell ½ their herd during the dry season because they had nothing to eat this new found knowledge is revolutionizing the way they operate. Today farmers are able to better provide for their families and sell more products to the government!
Suffice it to say that the work being accomplished by PRECE and ADEL is nothing short of amazing. They are transforming education, individuals and communities! I feel so lucky to be a part of this movement.
Some would argue that they return because their culture encourages them to return and live with family until they are married. Others would argue that even in the city there are not many job opportunities. I would argue that PRECE students have been so strongly supported by the PRECE schools, facilitators and community that they are compelled to return to their hometowns and do something for others rather than simply looking out for their own best interest. In all honesty, it is probably a combination of many factors. Not only do university students who have been through the PRECE system return to their hometowns on weekends and school breaks to facilitate classes, but upon graduation they return and begin establishing small businesses which benefit not only themselves but their entire hometown community.
For the first time FPC volunteers were able to see this in action when they visited an ADEL project. ADEL stands for the Agency of Local Economic Development and in many ways is the completion to the PRECE cycle. ADEL is a way for university students to share their newfound knowledge with their small communities helping to bring economic development to the countryside and in turn empower the communities. The students partner with local producers to help them improve their farming and business techniques. Feel free to check out their blog at http://adel-ce.blogspot.com/ or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000917600780&ref=ts to learn more. While the FPC group was there, we observed a project in which PRECE university students have taught local farmers/producers to harvest and salvage grass during the rainy season so that the animals will have feed during the dry seasons. It seems like a simple concept, but for farmers who used to have to sell ½ their herd during the dry season because they had nothing to eat this new found knowledge is revolutionizing the way they operate. Today farmers are able to better provide for their families and sell more products to the government!
Suffice it to say that the work being accomplished by PRECE and ADEL is nothing short of amazing. They are transforming education, individuals and communities! I feel so lucky to be a part of this movement. 
You are something else.
ReplyDeleteThis is so important Kacy to be shared! Thanks.
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