For immediate release
January 30, 2013
KPU students head to Cuba for a three month internship focused on food security
(Metro Vancouver, BC) – Eight Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) students are headed to Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, to participate in a three month internship through the Students for Development program (SFD).
This is the third year KPU students have been involved in food security projects in Cuba through the SFD program. Not only have Canadian students gone to Cuba, but students and staff from the University of Sancti Spiritus have also come to Canada to share knowledge and collaborate on sustainability issues.
Laura Haeber, a 2010 SFD participant from KPU, truly benefited from her time abroad in Cuba. “I personally found this experience life changing and rewarding,” said Haeber. “The people I met there have enriched my life and for that I will be forever grateful.” Each student who has gone to Cuba has left with a deeper appreciation of sustainable horticulture and Cuban culture itself.
The SFD program is supported by the Association of Universities and Colleges (AUCC) with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). SFD provides students with opportunities to do internships in developing and emerging countries. Cuba is a country that has embraced sustainability, permaculture and productive ecosystems. These eight interns will be working on various projects and research trails that relate to increasing food security. They will be working with staff and students at the University of Sancti Spiritus, as well as local farmers and the biopesticide and plant protection research facility, Sinidad Vegetal.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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For further information on the SFD program contact:
Deborah Henderson:
Director of the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture
Tel: 604-599-3460
deborah.henderson@kwantlen.ca
For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Cara Johnson
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.598.6196
cara.johnson@kwantlen.ca