Eye-opening experience for Marieke

Charles Sturt graduate Marieke Hoelscher with fellow students on the Timor-Leste study tour.

A first-hand farming experience in Timor-Leste for Charles Sturt graduate Marieke Hoelscher has not only helped shape her future career, but the future of Australian agriculture too. One of 13 Charles Sturt students who travelled to the southeast Asian country as part of the Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock Education program, Marieke said it was fascinating to learn about the challenges and opportunities in agriculture in Timor-Leste.

“A real highlight was seeing the different socioeconomic background in Timor-Leste and exploring the effect of history, especially colonialism and subsequent civil war, economics and politics, and how this impacts agriculture there.”

Another important takeaway from the trip for Marieke was the Timorese smallholder sustainable farming techniques – born of necessity of living in a third-world country – that Australia can learn from. For example, farming fish in ponds then reusing the water to irrigate crops. Experiences like this help shape globally aware graduates who are not only equipped with practical skills, but also with a deep understanding of sustainable practices and the role they play in building a more resilient and connected world.

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Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock Education program

Related SDG

  • 2. Zero hunger

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