One hundred thirty-eight young people from the whole nation took part in the first training course of the Wandervogel program organized by the COA from Aug 1st to 3rd.. All the participants went through the camp activities and gave an enthusiastic feedback and support for the efforts of the organizer.

The participants were mostly from 30 to 35 years old, 70% of them were males. Eighty percent of the participants are university graduates, and many even have master degree. The participants came from various professions, such as electronic industries, education, finance, services, F&B, manufacturing, foreign trade and agriculture. Some of the participants were unemployed when they attended the training. Their reasons for participating were varied; 67% wanted to experience the farming and fishing occupations, 52% were thinking of a career change, while more than 60% were in a field related to agriculture and fishery business.

The Council of Agricultural said that, more than 90% of the participants expressed satisfaction over the training and 93% were willing to take part in other training and to apply what they learned in their hometowns. More than 92% expressed interest in working in agriculture and fishery, 58% of them said they were very interested to do so.

Most of the participants said they were interested in high technology and leisure services courses. They suggested the government follow up and consult the youth who are willing to get involved in agriculture, and hold some in-depth agriculture technology and farm management training courses for those who are interested.

The Council of Agricultural said that, the response from the participants had highly confirmed that the Wandervogel program was beneficial to them. Through the programs with outstanding farmers, the participants would know more about agriculture and which help them make clear plans for their future.

The participants were also very concerned about the government’s follow-up mentoring programs and hope to know what other resources can the government offer. The Council of Agricultural is now planning to organize the second Wandervogel program this October. The COA will select some small-scale agriculture industries such as vegetable, mushrooms, flowers growing as well as wine making as the subjects of the courses. Moreover, further amendments will be made on the assistant policies and will include assistance of agricultural production materials, and low interest loans. The COA encourage the youth who are willing to get involved in agriculture come back and stay in their hometowns.