GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme Receives Positive International Assessment
The GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme, in which the University of Akureyri participates, has received praise in a new assessment by the international consulting firm GOPA. The school, which operates under UNESCO, has graduated about 500 specialists from its six-month fisheries management program, and 1,700 specialists have attended shorter courses at the school. The assessment report specifically looks at the school's contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14 concerning life below water.
The assessment found that the success of the GRO Fisheries Training Program (GRO-FTP)is based on Iceland's world-class knowledge in fisheries and cooperation with institutions in partner countries. The program emphasizes gender equality, with women comprising 55% of participants during 2018-2024. Feedback from graduates showed high satisfaction, with 80% saying they had grown professionally and made real impact in their field after completing the program.
One of the school's four student groups is currently located at the University of Akureyri, focusing on sustainable fisheries management and profitability in the fishing industry. The school's success is considered an important factor in promoting sustainability in fisheries and strengthening the University of Akureyri's position as a center of knowledge in this field.
Magnús Víðisson, program director in Fisheries Science at the University of Akureyri and supervisor of the student group, says the program is diverse and based on collaboration with Icelandic institutions and companies. "Students receive comprehensive education and participate in field visits, learning from Icelandic experience," says Magnús. This year, students come to Akureyri from as far as Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Kenya, and they will stay in Akureyri until May.
Modernization Combined with Cold Climate a Good Mix
Funny Mkwiyo from Malawi is a GRÓ FTP Fellow and describes the program as "a unique and transformative experience." She says the knowledge and skills she gains at the school are invaluable, especially the opportunity to gain experience from world-class experts. "The program gives me practical insights and advanced concepts that I can confidently apply to strengthen the fisheries sector in my home country," says Funny.
When asked about her stay in Akureyri, Funny describes the town as a peaceful place that makes it easy to focus on studies and self-development, "I enjoy Akureyri's beauty and unique culture, peaceful environment. The nature, whale watching, and northern lights are amazing. The University staff are accessible and helpful." She also says the modernization everywhere comes as a pleasant surprise, from efficient monitoring and surveillance of marine resources with modern technological advances at the Directorate of Fisheries, to the use of renewable geothermal energy, hot water, punctual and free bus services, and many other advanced technological measures. "It's also great to see how the town maintains a balance between modern amenities and small-town charm, and I'm surprised at how well I've adapted to the cold climate - it's a new experience but I've learned to appreciate it," Funny adds finally.