A well-known Laois man has just recently joined the board of Misean Cara, an organisation supporting the development work of missionaries worldwide.
Larry O’Loughlin, who recently retired after working in Teagasc for 41 years, joined the Board of Directors for the Irish faith-based NGO.
Rosenallis man Larry spoke about his desire to become a part of Misean Cara.
“Irish missionaries in developing countries continue to make a significant contribution to community development, rural development, health, education and human rights,” said Mr. O’Loughlin.
“Climate change is now the greatest challenge facing the international community. This is even more pronounced in developing countries. Sustainable small farm development should be a key priority in these countries,” said Mr. O’Loughlin.
Larry’s knowledge agriculture in general and small farm development in sub-Saharan Africa makes him the ideal fit for the role.
He’s visited Africa where he worked on a pilot project for a Knowledge Transfer programme for small farmers in rural Ethopia.
He’s also spent time in places like Serbia, Poland and Romania working on education, environmental schemes and helping prepare for integration into the EU.
As well as that Larry served as an Election Monitor in Belarus in 2010 and 2015, part of a team of people from different countries that were monitoring polling stations.
“As an agriculturalist, I am delighted to see Misean Cara, through its 91 members, working in developing countries, continue to strengthen its commitment to sustainable small farm development and food security.
“They are doing this by funding members who lead agricultural education and knowledge transfer programmes in conjunction with Ministries of Agriculture, especially at local and regional level.”
Misean Cara is funded by Irish Aid and funds its 91 missionary member organisations to work with vulnerable and marginalised communities in over 50 countries around the world.
“The way that missionaries work is what impresses me most. They are in it for the long haul. Living in solidarity with communities over many years,” said Larry,]
“They have a keen understanding of the challenges that people face, and can work with them to find lasting solutions,” he added.
Speaking on the appointment, Chairperson Ms Lucy Franks said that Misean Cara is delighted to welcome Mr O’Loughlin to the board and looks forward to availing of his long experience in agriculture to further enhance and progress Misean Cara’s work in that area.
Misean Cara CEO, Ms Heydi Foster said: “Mr O’Loughlin, with his knowledge and expertise of agriculture in general and small farm development in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Ethiopia, will be a very important addition to the Misean Cara board.”
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