Return to Immersion
Trips
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Laura Provenzano and have I just finished my Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of the Incarnate Word. I was one of the students privileged with the opportunity to participate in a project in Tanzania. As a part of my Master’s project I helped Dr. Neeta Singh to conduct a workshop in Bukoba region whereby women were encouraged to grow soybeans as a means of improving economic sustainability and diet quality.
When I was in Tanzania (July, 2007) besides conducting the workshop for Bukoba residents, I also got the chance to visit several governmental agencies such as Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center in Dar es Salaam, Ministry of Health, a professor from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, participated in some strategic planning meeting with scientist from Agriculture Research Institute- Maruku, Bukoba and also got to visit some neighboring regions and some community based organization Mwanza, Tanzania.
I am writing this letter of support to describe how this experience has changed my perspective and enhanced my understanding of global food systems. The knowledge obtained through my hands on training has given me a much better understanding of the function of global food systems and has made me a more competent person upon entry into the global job market. Before this experience I had only taken few courses covering international issues however these classes seem to give only a far fetched view of the realities I would experience upon my participation in Tanzania. When I share my experience with classmates and peers they are eager to learn more about these important issues taking place around the world and are anxious for a learning experience such as mine.
From a student's perspective not many of us have a clear understanding of realities and functions of issues in the international arena and we lack in international competence. Without the opportunity to participate in this project I believe future students of UIW will lack the real world experience needed to grasp such a diverse and complex subject as international food systems. I personally think having an international graduate practicum at UIW will really benefit the student population especially, where a large percentage is first generation college students. I thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Laura Provenzano