Marshal Papworth Fund

Bishop of Brixworth appointed Patron of Marshal Papworth fund The Right Reverend John Holbrook, who was installed as Bishop of Brixworth, Northamptonshire on 29th June 2011, has been appointed as patron of the Marshal Papworth Fund, a charitable fund which aims to educate agricultural and horticultural students from developing countries at UK colleges and universities. Formed in 2001, the Marshal Papworth Fund runs UK-based scholarship and short course programmes from funds bequeathed by Huntingdonshire farmer Marshal Papworth. The fund is wholly managed by the East of England Agricultural Society. Through its scholarship programmes the fund develops life changing, land-based skills, enabling students, from developing countries to facilitate sustainable farming within their own communities. Tom Arthey, Marshal Papworth Fund chairman, said: “We are thrilled that Bishop John becomes the Fund’s new patron. We look forward to working closely with him to identify and nurture potential partners, sponsors and advocates to help us secure the fund’s future and enable many more agricultural students from developing countries to benefit from our scholarships.” Since the formation of the Marshal Papworth Fund, 23 years ago, the charity has helped more than 261 students from developing countries to achieve their dreams and help their home communities. To sustain its programme and make it possible for many more students from around the world to benefit from the education it provides, the fund relies on donations. Bishop John said: “I have long admired the East of England Agricultural Society, so when I was asked to help support the great work that the charity undertakes I was only too pleased. This investment in worldwide farming expertise and practice is so worthwhile and makes such a difference to students and their communities.” 

Marshal Papworth Nepalese Student Represents University of Reading and Nepal in Global Dialogue on Food Security at UN FAO World Food Forum   Mr. Ghanshyam Bhattarai, an MP student from Nepal at the University of Reading and recipient of the prestigious Marshal Papworth Scholarship, recently participated in the World Food Forum (WFF) Flagship Event in Rome, held from 14th to 18th October 2024. This event, hosted by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), convenes thousands of young leaders, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to transforming global agrifood systems through youth engagement, innovation, and sustainability. Mr. Bhattarai, attending through sponsorship, actively contributed to sessions focused on youth involvement in food system governance. His participation in a dynamic fishbowl discussion on “Youth in International Food Governance: Power and Participation,” organised by Dutch UN Youth Representatives on Biodiversity and Food, underscored the importance of empowering youth with genuine decision-making authority in policy discussions. “Youth involvement should go beyond token representation; young people must have meaningful, actionable influence in shaping policies that impact their future,” he emphasised. At a side event titled “World Food Forum National Chapters & Youth Organisations: Intercontinental Youth Dialogues on Food Security,” Mr. Bhattarai presented alongside FAO Country Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, Ken Shimizu, and Head of Local Youth Action at WFF, Victor Muiru. He joined peers from Ghana, Peru, Bhutan, and the USA to share insights on how youth leaders are driving local and national food security efforts, highlighting innovative approaches and grassroots initiatives. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Bhattarai stated, “Attending this flagship event was transformative. Engaging with global food security issues alongside leaders from diverse backgrounds opened new perspectives and created invaluable connections.” He noted the significant learning opportunities offered by sessions like the Youth Assembly of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and intergenerational dialogues, which deepened his understanding of innovative approaches to sustainable agrifood systems. As a representative of the University of Reading, he also promoted the institution, discussing its range of courses and vibrant student life with global attendees. Mr. Bhattarai’s experience underscores the power of global collaboration and youth leadership in creating sustainable and resilient food systems worldwide.

In Rwanda, Polyphile Ndayisenga, is a teacher in Bugarama, where he works with one of the Marshal Papworth Fund’s partner charities, Hands Around The World. Polyphile is responsible for the school farm, he said: “I know how difficult it is to teach a hungry child, and I know how hard it is to teach as a hungry teacher... we have school farms for that purpose – and with my time at Harper Adams University, thanks to the Marshal Papworth Fund, I will be able to make the feeding programme at my school more sustainable and roll it out to other schools in the area.”

We get lots of questions about how to apply for a Marshal Papworth Fund scholarship - you can find out the application details on our website. https://lnkd.in/eQGhDW_P

#MondayMemories looking back at the 📸 album from this year's Student Certificate Presentation 🙌 Some lovely memories of this special celebration. #celebration #students #scholarships #graduates #agriculturaldevelopment

Eighteen students from Sub-Saharan Africa make commitment to help their communities with agricultural development charity - read our news here: https://lnkd.in/eZsJR4Zn

It's been a weekend of goodbyes 👋 as our short course scholars headed back to their communities in Africa to begin work! We're so proud of this cohort of Marshal Papworth scholars already, and know that the sustainable agriculture projects they developed during their time on our course at Harper Adams University will positively impact 1000s of lives. #growingoutofhunger #nonprofit #scholarships #agriculture

It was an absolute delight to be at the graduation of our short course scholars yesterday at Harper Adams University as they presented their individual #sustainableagriculture projects and were awarded their certificates of completion by #harperadamsuniversity VC Professor Ken Sloan. We can't wait to share their presentations with you next week! Well done, students 👏

Fantastic to see our sustainable agriculture #agriculturaldevelopment scholars getting out in the field with Red Poll cattle #sustainablefarming #redpollcattle

Making memories and a network to last a lifetime ✨️ "On behalf of the Marshal Papworth 2024 scholars, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ed Mashitise⁩, Joyce and the entire family for hosting us at your home. Your hospitality was truly exceptional and made us feel so welcome. Thank you for opening your home and sharing your resources with us." Thank you all again for making the event so memorable! ❤️ #nearlyhometime #networking #scholars