Benson Institute Scholars: the Next Generation of Concerned Professionals

By working with the Benson Institute, students receive practical experience in promoting a higher quality of life for the people of their country.

 

The rising ranks of Guatemalan professionals bear the responsibility of improving the quality of life for their fellow citizens. University students studying nutrition, agronomy, and animal science are gaining the training necessary to share essential knowledge with the poor communities of their country. The Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute supports these students by providing an introduction into these fields of development.

The Institute collaborates with students at the University of San Carlos (USAC) in Guatemala City and at one of its satellite campuses to assist them in fulfilling their graduation requirements, which include training and service in a rural community. The aid offered by the Benson Institute to the rural villages of Guatemala springs from the projects of these dedicated university students.

Since beginning its work in Guatemala in 1986, the Benson Institute has supported the efforts of agronomy and animal science students at CUNORI, a satellite campus of the University of San Carlos in Chiquimula, Guatemala. In 1995, the Benson Institute joined forces with the School of Nutrition at USAC’s main campus in Guatemala City, assisting the student nutritionist with training programs and thesis investigations. In 1998, agronomy and animal science students from USAC began working with the Benson Institute.

USAC School of Nutrition

USAC’s School of Nutrition is one of five schools in the College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, headed by Dean Hada Alvarado. Now in its third year of association with the Benson Institute, the School of Nutrition exemplifies the positive interaction between the Institute and university students.

The nutrition school originated in 1965 as a cooperative effort between USAC and the Institute of Nutrition for Central America and Panama (INCAP) to train nutritionist to solve food and nutrition problems in Central America. Past director Professor Julieta Salazar de Ariza has advised several Benson Institute scholars in their thesis research. Professor María Antonieta Gonzales currently serves as director.

The stated aim of the School of Nutrition is to contribute solving the food and nutrition problems of the country by training nutritionist to work ethically and with a spirit of service. The program’s focus on teaching, research, and service creates a natural association between the nutrition program and the Benson Institute.

Applied Training

To graduate as a licensed nutritionist, each student must complete three phases in his or her education. First, course work, consisting of 52 required classes, lays the foundation for practical application. A supervised professional training experience constitutes the second phase. This training includes two segments: six months of applied nutrition studies in a rural area of the country and six months of clinical experience in a local hospital.

Finally, the students carry out original research regarding a nutritional issue, which they present as a formal thesis.

Agronomists and animal scientists, like nutritionists, have specific class requirements and must fulfill a supervised professional training in order to graduate with a technical or bachelor’s degree. The length of this training varies from 6 to 12 months, dependent on the program. This required training allows students to apply the knowledge acquired during their studies and to obtain the practical experience necessary to gain their respective professional titles.

In order for the students to complete their applied training, they and the university cooperate with institutions such as the Benson Institute, the Zacapa and Chiquimula Project, CARE, a variety of production and exportation businesses, and various other organizations dealing with health and agricultural issues. The relationship between university students and professional organizations not only provides guidance for emerging professionals, but also mobilizes a force of young people who dedicate themselves to the betterment of their fellow citizens. Since the Benson Institute began its work in Guatemala it has assisted 38 students in completing their professional training in the fields of animal science, agronomy, and nutrition (see Table 1).

Thesis Research

To meet the third phase of university study, nutrition, agronomy, and animal science students seeking bachelor’s degrees must complete a formal thesis in addition to their practical training. Twelve nutritionist have completed their theses in the past three years with assistance from the Institute and their faculty supervisors. For example, Ana Luisa Méndez Hernández completed her thesis by investigating the vitamin A content of the typical Guatemalan village diet, as documented in this issue of the Benson Institute Review (see article, page 12). Additionally, since 1993, six agronomy students and five animal science students have completed their thesis requirements with the Benson Institute’s support (see Table 1).

Table 1. Benson Institute coordination with USAC students
Department	Total number of students who have completed a supervised training with the Benson Institute	Total number of students who have completed a thesis with the Benson Institute
Nutrition	7	12
Agronomy	25	6
Animal Science	6	5

The Result

Recent contributions of the Benson Institute scholars include:

• Diagnostic studies of the agricultural and nutritional situation in the communities

• Implementation of improved crop management

• Introduction of home and school vegetable gardens;

• Campaigns for vaccination of cattle and other animals

• Lessons covering animal management and home, health, and nutrition topics

• Reforestation efforts

• Implementation of improved cooking stoves

• Technical advising of area agricultural producers.

By working with the Benson Institute, students receive practical experience in promoting a higher quality of life for Guatemalans. A previous Benson Institute scholar of animal science, Oscar García, says, “The research financed [by the Benson Institute] responds to the most pressing problems of our communities. Based on this, I feel satisfied and grateful because I consider that the results of my research will contribute, in some way, to meeting a need in the area.”

Widespread benefits stem from partnerships between caring organizations and emerging professionals. The Benson Institute, in its association with the University of San Carlos students, contributes to the education of Guatemala’s next generation of concerned professionals.