2023 Fellow: Catherine Geluwa
My name is Catherine Geluwa, from the beautiful Island of Papua New Guinea. I was born and raised in the mountains of New Guinea. I am a passionate agriculturist and have worked in the agriculture space for almost three years. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Tropical Agriculture from Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resource and Environment. I am currently working with Simbu Provincial Administration’s Division of Agriculture and Livestock, particularly the Food Security program.
Growing up in a country where agriculture is the mainstay of 85% Papua New Guinea’s rural economy farming has always been a passion of mine at a younger age. I choose agriculture because it connects with the people and when I think of farming it reminds me of my grandmother and the days we spend plowing the soil and planting seeds together. She does it with such grace and I have always admired her and want to help others like her thus make a difference through agriculture.
Back home I am working on a seed bank or seed multiplication project and wish to expand the production of grain crops that is rice and wheat. Also looking into indigenous or native crops and how to best preserve and distribute local varieties.
I am humbled to be selected as one of the fellows under the community engagement exchange program. The CEE program is truly a wonderful platform for young leaders working in rural communities around the world. It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to travel overseas and never thought I would be in the US and am grateful that through CEE I was given the opportunity. I am flooded with mixed emotions as I continue to immerse myself in this transformational leadership experience. Through interactive sessions on Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy and practicum with a wonderful organization called Fresher Together based in Chicago, USA.
Two weeks in Chicago has been absolutely amazing. It is a beautiful city with its own rich history, food and it is multicultural with diverse ethnicities. Working with Fresher Together a Chicago based organization I look forward to learning more about Food Security and grain crop also postharvest handling and other improved methods of farming. Why I choose Fresher Together is because of their pillars; Build together, grow together, cook together and heal together.