Cooperation with the Republic of Zimbabwe |
On April 15 the director of the recruiting agency Satco Academic Trust Colleges (Privat) Limited, Mrs. Maureen Meda, visited BSATU. During negotiations with the university leadership, the guest reported on the relevance of agricultural education for the Republic of Zimbabwe and the interest of potential applicants in Belarusian education.
While getting acquainted with BSATU Maureen Meda noticed the following advantages: the compact location, comfortable places for students in dormitory N1, the presence of a large number of agricultural machines and the practical component of the educational process, varied and interesting leisure activities for students were noted as good point.
Mikalai Ramaniuk: "Our students know what is farming like, and they do not shy away from it" |
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
— It has been 35 years since you first opened the doors of BSATU. For you, it is a real alma mater, a place of study and the only place of work. So what is BSATU in the eyes of a student, engineer, researcher, teacher, rector?
- At each level, the "eyes" were different, and the view was different too. But one thing always remained unchanged which is professionalism as a principle of university activity. I mean the professionalism of teachers, scientists, graduates. It is about professional attitude to work and studies, that, I am sure, allowed BSATU to become one of the leading educational and research and production centers in Belarus. Five faculties prepare competitive engineers and economists for the national agro-industrial complex, as well as for the agricultural industries of other countries. Skilled teachers, an excellent, without exaggeration, material and technical base that was created and is maintained by the national ministry, the trade union of agro-industrial complex workers and its chairman Vasyl Khvatyk and scientific research - these are the three pillars our university is leaning on.
Each of these pillars is dedicated to one goal that is to prepare an educated, highly qualified and skilled specialist. You know, each educational establishment has its own traditions, its own laws. They are different, some are invented - I mean it in a good way, and some are developed by themselves, over time, they are most often invisible, they are not declared anywhere and are not written down on paper. But it is they who make up what can be called the heart, the soul of the university. We also have such a tradition, and it is formulated simply: "Teaching in such a way that the graduates will be skilled professionals". Therefore, I will add one more to the principle of professionalism that is the principle of quality training.
— In what specialties are students trained at BSATU? Given the agrarian profile, surely among them there are also unique ones that you won't find anywhere else?
— We train specialists in 11 specialties: 9 engineering and 2 economic. The agro-power faculty is the only one in the country that trains specialists for the agro-industrial complex, graduates are trained in the specialties "Energy supply for agriculture" and "Automation of technological processes and production". The farm machinery service faculty provides training of engineers for the service of agricultural machines and in labor protection. In the last specialty, by the way, only in our university you can get education at all levels of higher education, retraining and postgraduate studies. At the agromechanical faculty students are trained in the specialties "Technical support of agricultural products" and "Technical support for the storage and processing of agricultural products", and at the business and management faculty training is conducted in the specialties "Agribusiness" and "Management".
I would like to note that our graduates, despite the "agrarian" profile of the university, are in demand not only in organizations of the agro-industrial complex. Thanks to the high level of theoretical training and extensive practical skills, they can work in almost all areas of the national economy, including highly specialized ones. READ MORE...
Partnership with China is picking up pace |
The intensifying of relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) is one of the strategic directions of the foreign policy of the Republic of Belarus. As part of the development of the relations, means for comprehensive strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation were created. In recent years, cooperation in the field of education with China has reached a new level.
The Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University (BSATU) has intensified interaction with Chinese higher education establishments by promoting educational services in this country, including in English.
In December 2022, with the diplomats from both countries, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed with the Northwest A&F University in China. As part of this direction, in March-April 2023, a number of online seminars was held on training international specialists in the field of poverty alleviation, as well as on environmental protection in agricultural production in the SCO countries.
A number of mutual visits have been organized this year. In May 2023, during a visit to the PRC, Vice-Rector for Research and Director of the Scientificand research institute of mechanization and electrification of agriculture I. Kruk, Director of the Professional development and retraining institute of agribusiness specialists M.Yakouchik and Director of the international relations department M.Hurnovich took part in the China-Belarus International Forum on cooperation and innovation in agricultural science and technology, visited Yulin University, who a cooperation agreement was signed with, and discussed promising areas of cooperation in education.
A return visit took place in August 2023. The Chinese delegation, which included representatives of the Northwest A&F University and the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, visited the material and technical base of BSATU, scientific laboratories and an exhibition pavilion where samples of Belarusian agricultural machines were presented. Based on the results of this visit, the main vectors of interaction were outlined. As one of the first steps in this direction, the parties signed an agreement on cooperation in education.
In September, during a visit to China, the administration of BSATU, represented by rector M.Ramaniuk and director of the Professional development and retraining institute of agribusiness specialists M.Yakouchik took part in the 2nd Forum of Rectors of Agricultural Universities of the SCO countries, in the 8th annual conference “Knowledge-intensive innovative cooperation for the development of environmentally friendly agriculture”, and also visited the 30th China Exhibition of High Technologies in Agriculture and the Yangling Demonstration Zone. The visit resulted in negotiations with representatives of Qingdao Agricultural University, then a cooperation agreement was signed.
The development of cooperation with Chinese educational groups and recruiting organizations to attract students at BSATU is an important direction in the development of bilateral relations in the field of education. As part of the direction, meetings and negotiations were held with representatives of the Chunhui Educational Group, the China-European Cultural and Educational Center "Dunou" LLC, representatives of the company "Zhongwei Trading Co., Ltd", a cooperation agreement was concluded on the recruitment of Chinese citizens for training with Penghao Liuxue LLC and established cooperation with YTO Technology BLR, LLC (China-Belarus Industrial Park). Negotiations were held with Henan University of Science and Technology, as a result joint scientific research is planned on the topic “Key technologies and demonstration application of highly efficient drive and cluster operations of electric unmanned tractors”.
In recent years, BSATU has trained more than 100 highly qualified specialists from China. In 2021, a citizen of the People's Republic of China, Li Qingzhen, successfully defended her dissertation in the specialty “Technologies and means of agricultural mechanization.” In 2022, she was awarded the academic degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences (English equivalent - PhD). In October of this year, Chinese citizen Shao Lansun, who plans to conduct research in digital economy of “smart cities,” was enrolled in the English-language master degree program in the specialty “Economics”.
Promising areas of cooperation regarding China are joining the Silk Road Agricultural Education Science and Technology Innovation Alliance, organizing joint scientific research and laboratories, online events and seminars, promotion educational services and the BSATU brand among Chinese youth through contextual and targeted advertising, establishing interaction through recruitment citizens of the People's Republic of China to study at BSATU, including in English.
On November 21-22, 2023, the 1st Forum of Rectors of higher education establishments of the Republic of Belarus and the People's Republic of China was held. In order to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of educational and scientific innovation activities, an Agreement was signed on the creation of the Chinese-Belarusian Association of Universities. The following issues were discussed at the Forum application of digital technologies in organizing the educational process, development of digital literacy of students, distance learning and implementation of joint educational programs. First Vice-Rector of BSATU A.Miranovich took part in the section devoted to issues of application of information technologies in the educational process. The reports from representatives of Chinese and Belarusian universities were heard and current issues of digitalization of universities, as well as plans for further collaboration were discussed.
I Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Establishments of the Republic of Belarus and the People's Republic of China |
On November 21-22, 2023, the First Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Establishments of the Republic of Belarus and the People's Republic of China was held. In order to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of educational and scientific-innovative activities, an Agreement was signed on the creation of the Chinese-Belarusian Association of Universities.
The Forum discussed the use of digital technologies in organizing the educational process, the development of digital literacy of students, distance learning and the implementation of joint educational programs.
The First Vice-Rector of BSATU A.Miranovich took part in the section devoted to the use of information technology in the educational process. Reports from representatives of universities in China and Belarus were heard, current issues of digitalization of universities were discussed, and plans for further cooperation were identified.
II Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Establishments of the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Tajikistan |
On October 5, 2023, the rector of BSATU Mikalai Ramaniuk took part in the plenary meeting of the II Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Establishments of the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Tajikistan, which was held in BSUIR. A Memorandum of Understanding and a Joint Action Plan for the implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education between the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2023-2026 were signed during the forum. The main directions of the Plan are the implementation of academic mobility programs, the exchange of educational technologies and teaching methods, holding international conferences, publishing joint collections of scientific works of graduates and doctoral students and other events.
During the forum the rector of BSATU M.Ramaniuk took part in the meeting of the first section “Development of innovative educational potential”, which was held in BNTU. The forum participants discussed issues of staffing sectors of the economy, training competent specialists, and introducing innovative technologies into the educational process.
*Photo taken from the BNTU website
First steps in teaching Chinese students in English |
Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University intensively promotes educational services for citizens of the People's Republic of China in English.
In October 2023, Chinese citizen Shao Lansun was enrolled in the English-language master degree program in the specialty "Economics", who plans to conduct research in the field of the digital economy of "smart cities".
The USA and Canada are in particular demand for education abroad among Chinese youth, but China is gradually looking towards Europe.
The student from China shared that this is not her first experience of studying in Belarus; she graduated from one of the Grodno universities several years ago. She has warm memories and a lot of positive emotions about Belarus, so she decided to gain new learning experience in our country.
According to the student, Belarus was remembered for its picturesque nature, clean well-groomed streets, and hospitable, sincere people. The girl emphasized that the important criteria for choosing our country were the quality of education and safety. Shao Lansun was pleasantly surprised that people in Belarus are actively studying the Chinese language and culture, and also express interest in bilateral cooperation with the PRC in education.
Initially, the Chinese girl wanted to study programming, but finally she chose economics. As part of the educational program, Shao Lansun studies in English the innovative development of an organization, information technology, marketing analysis, risk management, crisis management and macroeconomic analysis. The girl also showed interest in learning the Russian language.
The student from China likes to spend her free time with friends, walk in parks, discover Minsk, and go shopping. She said that in addition to her compatriots, she has many Belarusian friends with whom she actively practices the Russian language.
II Forum of Rectors of Agricultural Universities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries |
During visit to China on September 20-22, 2023, rector of BSATU M.Ramaniuk and director of Professional development and retraining institute of agribusiness specialists M.Yakouchik took part in the 2nd Forum of Rectors of Agricultural Universities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries and the 8th annual conference “Knowledge-intensive innovative cooperation for the development of environmentally friendly agriculture”, held negotiations on promising areas of bilateral cooperation in education, science and expanding partnership with administration and representatives of the Northwest University of Agriculture and Forestry, got acquainted with the material and technical base and educational capabilities of the university, visited the 30th China Exhibition of High Technologies in Agriculture. Both parts are interested in intensifying research activities, implementing academic exchange programs, organizing joint seminars and conferences, and developing educational opportunities.
A new level in Belarus-Cuba relations |
On September 18-20, 2023 the Cuban delegation visited Belarus. During the visit, on September 19, 2023 the first Forum of Belarusian and Cuban rectors was held at BSUIR under the leadership of the First Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus A. Bakhanovich and Deputy Minister of Higher Education of the Republic of Cuba Reynaldo Velazquez Zaldivar. The first vice-rector A. Miranovich, the vice-rector for scientific work I. Kruk and the director of the department of international relations M. Hurnovich took part in the event from BSATU. The educational opportunities of Belarusian and Cuban universities were presented, possible areas of bilateral cooperation in education, science and the expansion of interuniversity contacts and partnership were discussed. Following the Forum, the Cuban side expressed interest in the potential of Belarusian education. The university has intentions to enter into a cooperation agreement with the Agricultural University of Havana.
Cuba is interested in implementing scientific projects and joint research with Belarus. Ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in education and expand partnership between the educational communities of Belarus and Cuba were discussed. As part of the development of cooperation in the educational field, the parties discussed areas of enhancing interaction in scientific research, expanding inter-university contacts in the interests of training teachers, as well as student exchanges. The Cuban side is particularly interested in the potential of Belarusian universities in the field of high technology, cybersecurity and personal data protection, as well as development in the field of artificial intelligence.
"We are interested in implementing specific scientific projects and joint research. Like you, we are focused on a specific result that would also provide economic returns. Success depends on how all this is implemented. Everything will depend on the will of our universities to bring all this to life. And we felt this after a meeting with the rectors of Belarusian universities and the Ministry of Education. We have already agreed to hold a second meeting of rectors in Havana at the end of next year. And there we will evaluate how we have progressed on each of the projects", noted Reynaldo Velazquez Zaldivar.
As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached to hold a joint video conference in early October with the invitation of both members of relevant commissions of national parliaments and representatives of relevant ministries and departments for further development of issues of mutual interest.
Materials for translation taken from: https://www.belta.by/amp/society/view/zamministra-obrazovanija-kuby-zaja...
How was the admission process for future teachers, doctors and farmers |
Admission to establishments of higher education has ended. Traditionally, some programs at BSU, BSUIR and BNTU break scoring records. Among the most popular are «international law», «software engineering», «oriental studies» and others. Meanwhile, there is a shortage of teachers, doctors and farmers on the labor market. The national newspapers «Belarus Today» correspondent found out what the competition was like for applicants for these specialties, whether there were any free places and whether employer-sponsored students were in demand.
At the Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University, the overall competition was 1.1 people per free-education place in the frame of an admission plan of 465. 1.8 people competed for a paid place. There were many fewer places for them - 46. The executive secretary of the BSATU admissions committee Karina Harkusha explains that this is due to the excitement around the specialties «Agribusiness» and «Management» where many applicants traditionally want to get into.
There was an interesting situation at the university with the employer-sponsored students. Here they were recruited in two waves.
— During the main admissions process, we recruited 116 people against the plan of 234. And since specialists are in demand in agriculture and the retention rate for employer-sponsored training is higher, it was decided to announce an additional recruitment for agricultural specialties. It was parallel to the main one. That is, employers came to our university and offered applicants to enter into a contract on employer-sponsored education. We had this practice until last year, and now we have essentially continued it as part of an additional employer-sponsored recruitment. The two-stage recruitment has its advantages, says Karina Harkusha. For example, during the first stage, greater responsibility falls on the shoulders of employers. They independently encourage the guys to conclude an agreement and come work for them in the future. But as for the second stage which is additional recruitment, here the staff customers are already dealing with the guys who came to enroll in an agricultural university for some purposes. And it’s easier for employers in a way.
— During the second stage, we recruited another 50 people. And thus, more than 70 percent of the plan for employer-sponsored education was fulfilled - this is a fairly high figure for the agricultural industry.
Interview for the national newspapers «Belarus Today»
August 2023
Why knowledge of IT technologies is important in agricultural production, where BSATU students work in the summer and how successful university graduates are. Let’s talk about this with the rector of the Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University, candidate of technical sciences Mikalai Ramaniuk |
Food security is one of the most important topics at any time and for any state. It is very pleasant to realize that Belarus is a really self-reliant country in this context. Agricultural production is a priority direction of state policy. We are fully self-reliant in food and we can supply a large part of the food produced to other countries. The result is obvious - last year agricultural products held the leading positions in the structure of exports of the Republic. In order to achieve such results, farmers need knowledge - new technologies, including computer technologies, have come to agriculture.
If once a farm-woman milked a cow by hand, and the main tools in the greenhouse were a shovel and a hoe, today most operations are performed by robots - almost all production processes are automated. The equipment working in the fields has also stepped forward. It is no coincidence that the cabin of a modern harvester is sometimes compared to the cabin of an airplane. Modern computer technologies are necessary for agricultural specialists today, therefore, staff must be highly trained, remember that the food security of the country will depend on the knowledge that students of agricultural universities will obtain tomorrow.
Grain today is like gold and foreign exchange reserves. Always useful and constantly growing in price! - Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting dedicated to the harvesting campaign. The President also noted that the harvest is always the result of a hard work done by the agro-industrial complex during the year in order to ensure the country's food security.
And I am glad that the training of specialists for agriculture in Belarus is carried out at a high level. This is done by 4 universities and 29 colleges. The list also includes BSATU, which has trained more than 62,000 specialists for the country's agro-industrial complex over the 69 years.
The maintenance of modern technology requires considerable and not focused knowledge; therefore, all engineering specialties of our university are quite universal and enable graduates to work in various sectors of the national economy. So, Alexander Moroz is now the director general of the Vavilov Minsk Mechanical Plant - the management company of the BelOMO holding group; Andrei Khmel - Chairman of the Grodno City Executive Committee, Vladimir Krech - Deputy Minister of Forestry. However, most of our graduates have shown themselves to be competent specialists and leaders of the agricultural sector. There are the chairman of the board of the agricultural production cooperative "Agrokombinat Snov" Mikalai Radoman, the director general of the enterprise "Belovezhsky" Alexander Dunkovich.
However, our students are not limited to classes in classrooms. During the harvest season, they are always close to the village residents. I can proudly say that last year 35% of the students of full-time education at the university were involved in the students team movement - this is the highest rate among all universities in the country. And today we have already created 20 student teams, mostly agricultural, working at agricultural enterprises. Young people who have started their practice, and even some teachers of BSATU, masters of industrial training, also take part in the harvesting campaign - they work as assistants to the combine operators.
I am from the Novogrudok region. As a gold medalist, participant and winner of district and regional chemistry olympiads, I was invited to Grodno University, then still a pedagogical institute, to study as a chemist-biologist. But my neighbor was the chief engineer of our agricultural enterprise, he graduated from the Belarusian Institute of Mechanization of Agriculture, the current BSATU. Looking at him, I also chose engineering. By the way, in 1988, three guys from our class entered this university – all were medalists!
This year it is 35 years since I am in the walls of BSATU, first as a student, then as a teacher, and today as a leader.
Did I, while applying documents to the admission committee, think that I would become the rector, would be engaged in scientific activities, defend my dissertation? Of course not. In those days, university teachers, professors were a kind of celestials, out of reach for yesterday's schoolboy. But already five years later, when I defended my graduation project, the chairman of the commission appreciated its originality and said that it was like a dissertation.
I was offered to continue my studies to do research degree. And since I liked doing science, I agreed and do not regret my decision. Today I have more than 1000 scientific works and more than 350 patents for inventions in Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. Therefore, I want to wish my students only one thing - go for it! You hold the keys to the success in your hands!
Ekaterina Tsirkun, the photo by BSATU
July 27, article №30 for the newspaper “Vecherniy Minsk”