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Education news and issues in the Ozarks.

Agreement between MSU, Convoy of Hope Aims to Strengthen Developing Countries

Missouri State University
The Citizen Scholar Statue in front of Strong Hall, home of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs/Credit: MSU

Missouri State University and Convoy of Hope are pledging to increase and improve agriculture and water availability in Haiti, and possibly other developing countries, as part of an agreement signed Tuesday.

Under a memorandum of understanding, the two schools will develop, execute, and implement extension services, education, and research projects pertaining to agriculture and related projects.  

These projects will be planned jointly, subject to availability of funding and the specific approval of the MSU president and the president of COH. The university will serve as lead agency and, through its faculty and staff, will contribute expertise and experience in scientific and academic research, grant writing and application, and similar related areas.

“We’re excited about the research opportunities this agreement presents for Missouri State students and faculty,” Clifton M. Smart III, Missouri State president, said in a news release. “Partnering with Convoy of Hope in Haiti and other countries is a meaningful way to advance our public affairs mission.”

MSU says the agreement is consistent with its research interests and public affairs mission, the three pillars of which are ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. The agreement is also consistent with COH’s mission to provide help and hope to those who are impoverished, hungry, and hurting.

“MSU has been a valuable partner for Convoy of Hope for many years,” said Hal Donaldson, president and co-founder of Convoy of Hope. “We look forward to continuing this relationship so that more people can be served in the future.”

The areas of cooperation include agriculture-related outreach and development programs in countries where COH is actively engaged, including Haiti. Other countries may be subsequently agreed to by the parties, including the Philippines, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, South Africa and the United States.

The agreement also involves student exchange between Missouri State and COH projects for the purpose of education, training, community service, international development service, and experience. Additional opportunities for further collaboration may be explored over time.