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Recognizing the importance of higher education in
poverty alleviation, in 1996, the Norwegian Agency
for Development Cooperation (NORAD) began a
long-term partnership with EARTH University to
promote economic prosperity and social well-being
in Central America. In this time, Norway has provided
scholarships for more than 188 students primarily
from Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.
Two years after the start of the relationship with
NORAD, the Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency (SIDA) also began a long-term
partnership with EARTH providing scholarships
for 111 students, primarily from the same three
Central American countries.
A glimpse into the contributions of the nearly 300
alumni sponsored by NORAD and SIDA*:
Influence: 63% participate in or are responsible for
the decision-making processes of their organizations.
Industry sector: Most alumni are working in agricultural
production (31%), environment and conservation (16%)
and community development (15%)
Impact: 42% have improved agricultural practices
through farmer training; 36% have contributed to
increased gender equality
Entrepreneurship: 11% run their own or family
business
* According to the 2010 Alumni survey. Responses received
from 57 percent of the NORAD and SIDA scholarship
recipients.
Norway and Swedenmaking lasting contributions
topoverty alleviation in LatinAmerica through EARTH
Name: Yanira Aguayo Colón
Graduating class: 2002
Hometown: San Benito, Petén, Guatemala
Recent accomplishments:
• Coordinated the planting of 377,000 trees in
Guatemala for EARTH Plants the Future
• Has helped 50 farmers diversify their farms,
increase profits and generate employment
What are your future plans?
“
In addition to promoting
reforestation and continuing my extension work in
communities, I’d like to form a non-profit dedicated to
raising awareness among children of environmental
issues.
”
What do you dream about?
“I am teaching my children
what I learned and one of my dreams is that they study
at EARTH. I want them to receive an education with
human values and ethics, so that they will become
exceptional professionals who will contribute to their
countries and the world.”
Anything else you want to add?
“I am so grateful to
NORAD for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime.
EARTH is one of the best agricultural school in Latin
America because of its emphasis on values, ethics and
social and environmental awareness. It opened my
horizons.”
“For Norway, the 16-year
collaboration with
EARTH, through the
scholarship program for
Central American
students has been a
mutually-beneficial
experience. EARTH is a
dynamic and committed
partner.” Ambassador
Tom Tyrihjell Royal
Norwegian Embassy in
Nicaragua.