Browsing by Author "Vreyens, John"

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    Analysis of Global Dynamics and Cultural Knowledge: Revealing Assets to Develop Opportunities
    (University of Minnesota Extension, 2014-10) Pardello, Renee; Senese, Dick; Vreyens, John
    Cross-cultural skills are needed more than ever for extension educators in many regions of the U.S., including Minnesota where Extension educators work and partner with diverse communities across the state. University of Minnesota Extension acknowledges the gap in cross-cultural skills among extension educators. To eliminate this gap, Extension is beginning a process to inventory experiences of staff for developing cross-cultural skills as a new norm for the organization. The goal of this poster is to present the inventory of the cross-cultural experience of the UM Extension staff and faculty. An internal survey conducted by the organization achieved three objectives presented in this poster: 1. Identify current expertise of Extension educators and faculty based on cross-cultural experiences; 2. Measure the use of global dynamics and cultural knowledge in extension programs; and 3. Evaluate future opportunities for integrating global dynamics understanding and cultural knowledge into all program areas. The study was the first to document the organizational assets within U of M Extension related to cross-cultural experience. The survey identified expressed needs of Extension staff to expand our global dynamics and cultural knowledge within all program areas.
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    University of Minnesota Extension Global Food Security Efforts in Tanzania
    (St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension Service, 2010) Schmitt, Michael; Vreyens, John; Cuomo, Greg
    The Companion Village Project (CVP) is an educational outreach project in Tanzania, Africa. Its goal is to increase food production above subsistence levels and create a source of income. University of Minnesota Extension is an indirect partner and will provide educational development, counsel and agricultural resources to the CVP, which is operated by staff (trained by U of M MAST) at the Institute of Agriculture at TumainiUniversity. Similar in concept to the American land grant system, the CVP is using research from the U of M and developing an outreach system through church leaders and congregations. Short-term deliverables will be awareness and education of the rural population, virtually all of whom practice subsistence agriculture. The long-term goal is increased food security in the Region of Iringa, Tanzania.