1. How does the network benefit your organisation?
Participation in meetings has given VHL staff access to the latest developments and better linkages. In certain meetings we were also able to take small groups of students with us. Examples are our participation in expert meetings in which KIT publications were discussed on value chain development. We participated in thematic meetings on gender, HIV/AIDS and livestock and in country meetings ( Rwanda and Ethiopia). We also attended country meetings abroad (Addis/Ethiopia).

VHL is an institute of professional education in which we interact with professionals in the “field”. For all courses we have a Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) in which latest developments and the importance of this for our curricula are being discussed. Staff of APF and member organisations take part in the PAC’s.

Staff of APF and member organisations take part in the thesis defence both at Master and Bachelor level.

2. Please give an example of a joint action, in which the APF network played a visible role.
At the moment Nuffic releases tenders for projects on higher education in the context of international cooperation. Potential partners have approached us through APF to take part in a consortium.

3. If you were in charge, what should the APF network look like in 5 years time?
Please continue as you do, VHL is very satisfied with the role of APF. There should be a stronger linkage between NGO’s on the one hand and governmental organisations on the other, both in the Netherlands and in the country groups. The network is too much NGO focussed.

4. How will your organisation contribute to the APF network in the next 2 years?
VHL has alumni in developing countries and there is a wish to link these alumni stronger to the AFP network. No concrete ideas exist at this moment.

Contact: Robert Baars

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