News

Successful conclusion of the first MOBILISE mobility program in the Netherlands

09-10-2024

The first MOBILISE mobility program, designed to provide international trainees from Egypt, Ethiopia and Tunisia with hands-on experience in the horticulture sector, concluded successfully with an evaluation mission and a final workshop in the Netherlands. From September 22nd to 27th, an evaluation mission was conducted to assess the overall implementation of the program, bringing together key project stakeholders and the trainees for reflective activities and discussions.

The evaluation mission, led by MSM’s Project Director, Dr. Ir. Huub Mudde, and Project Manager, Mr. Stefano Locatelli, visited various horticulture companies across Friesland, Flevoland, and Limburg, in the surroundings of Venlo. These visits provided valuable insights into the trainees' placements, working conditions, and their overall experiences in the field. Companies hosting the trainees, ranging from small organic farms to large-scale greenhouses, praised the participants for their curiosity and dedication. The feedback gathered will contribute to shaping future intakes of the program.

The program ended with a final evaluation workshop held at Boerderij Hoekelum in Bennekom. Over the three-day event, trainees from across the Netherlands reflected on their journey, shared their achievements, and provided feedback to improve the program. The workshop involved several activities, including group evaluations, technical assessments, and coaching sessions, allowing trainees to reflect on their growth in areas such as adaptability, international teamwork, and understanding business decision-making.

Trainees highlighted the rewarding yet challenging experience of balancing work, assignments, and independent living in a new country. The workshop concluded with a vibrant international dinner, organized by the trainees themselves, celebrating cultural exchanges and marking the end of their time in the Netherlands.

On September 27th, the trainees bid farewell as they headed to Schiphol Airport, returning home with new skills, experiences, and hopes for their future careers. The MOBILISE team looks forward to staying connected with the trainees and supporting their next professional steps.

This first round of the MOBILISE program has been a resounding success, with positive feedback from both trainees and host companies. The insights gathered during this phase will be essential in refining and expanding the program, ensuring it continues to provide valuable opportunities for international cooperation and skill development in the horticulture sector.

The Migration Partnership Facility
This news item has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility. The contents of this news item are the sole responsibility of the Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht University and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and the one of ICMPD.

MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies

This project is part of MSM's Expert Center of Emerging Economies (ECEE) and will be led by Project Director Dr. Huub Mudde and Project Manager Stefano Locatelli. The project will run from June 2023 until May 2027. The department is an expert centre on sustainable private sector development in emerging and developing markets.​ We capacitate managers and professionals from government, private sector, NGOs, and post-secondary education in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. We offer consultancy and customized training programs, and we manage complex projects in key sectors, e.g. water, agriculture and health. For more information click here.

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