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BENEFIT PROJECT FUNDING SEZ

Christmas fundraiser 2024

Join the SEZ Christmas fundraiser!

This year we are celebrating the anniversary of the partnership between Burundi and Baden-Württemberg. With our Christmas fundraising campaign and your donation, we want to promote commitment in Burundi at the end of our anniversary year:

The association Burundi und Wir eV is part of the Burundian diaspora and, together with the Burundian initiative ADDESI, supports small farmers and their families in Burundi. Through access to education and microfinance, women in rural areas provide for their families and shape their community. This year's Christmas donation strengthens women, gives hope and promotes sustainable agriculture.

We would be delighted if you would become part of the AMAHORO! State partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi. We will of course issue you with a donation receipt for your generous support - if you wish, even for donations under €300. As a thank you, we would be happy to present you here by name as a project sponsor.

Take part in this year’s SEZ Christmas fundraising campaign and join us in supporting women in rural areas of Burundi.

Bank details for donations

Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation (SEZ)

IBAN: DE26 6005 0101 0001 3612 74

BIC: SOLADEST600

Purpose: Jubilaeum24

Thank you!

Contact Person

PHILIPP KEIL

Executive Board

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SEZ BUSINESS

G-PAD Forum 2024

We would like to invite you, together with LEAD Africa International eV and the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, to the 7th Global Partnership for Africa Development (G-PAD) Forum.

The established G-PAD Forum brings people together. Located in the heart of Europe, the Stuttgart Trade Fair is an important corporate partner and central hub for ideas and contacts. In the region, global market leaders from the energy industry meet medium-sized, unknown champions, exciting start-ups and science.

Through the new cooperation with Landesmesse Stuttgart, the G-PAD Forum 2024 offers participants new impulses, interesting cooperation and new business opportunities beyond the conference – in direct exchange, without detours with the hy-fcell Expo and Conference.

This year's theme Unlocking Africa's Renewable Energy Potential focuses on the African continent in the context of renewable energy. Look forward to panel discussions, diverse networking opportunities and top-class speakers from Africa.

You can 9 October 2024 both virtually worldwide and in person in Stuttgart. Get ready for inspiring and honest discussions with leading experts on renewable energy.

SEZ
BUSINESS
Wednesday, 29th November 2023

G-PAD Forum 2023: Politics meets Pan-Africanism

On October 20, 2023, 250 participants of the Global Partnership for
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COMMITTED IN BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG PARTNERSHIP GROUPS PARTNERSHIP CENTER SEZ

In conversation with Dr. Kidist Hailu

Newly published: the completely revised questionnaire “Reflecting on North-South partnerships”. Dr. Kidist Hailu was actively involved in the process (© SEZ).

Learn more about the questionnaire “Reflecting on North-South Partnerships” in a conversation with Dr. Kidist Hailu, specialist promoter for local partnership initiatives.

The catalogue of criteria “Reflecting on partnerships” was published in 2020. The first edition was launched under the motto “Those who ask questions change the world”. In June, a second catalogue of questions was drawn up by specialist promoters from the field of international cooperation and the Association of One World State Networks in Germany e. V. In a conversation with Dr. Kidist Hailu, you will receive information about “Reflecting on North-South Partnerships – A Questionnaire” and learn what recommendations the brochure and the specialist promoter give to the partnership groups.

Can you briefly describe to us what exactly you do?

I have been part of the SEZ since 2021 and, as a specialist promoter for local partnership initiatives, I coordinate workshops and seminars on topics relevant to partnerships, for example on transcultural communication, child protection, discrimination-sensitive language and decolonization of partnership work. I also coordinate a platform for exchange opportunities between those involved and offer advice for the partnership groups in Baden-Württemberg.

Recently, “Reflecting on North-South Partnerships – a Questionnaire” was revised and you were actively involved in this process. Could you explain to us what exactly this questionnaire contains?

The questionnaire, both the original and the current version, is aimed at partnership groups, especially those involved in North-South partnerships. The publication offers valuable suggestions for examining and critically thinking through partnerships at different levels. The questionnaire contains inspiring impulses and suggestions for action that can help to reflect on one's own work and cooperation with partners and, if necessary, change them.

We, the specialist promoters in the field of international cooperation and partnerships, have worked together nationwide to support partnership groups in their commitment and to provide fresh impetus for North-South partnerships. We hope that the questionnaire will be used as a useful tool not only to better understand cooperation, but also to actively improve it.

Why was the first questionnaire revised?

The revision was necessary because debates and perspectives on North-South partnerships have changed over time. In addition, new questions have emerged that critically question both the current situation and the historical development, while other questions have become less relevant. This has helped to ensure that the catalogue remains up-to-date and useful.

What topics are addressed in the revised version?

The new edition covers, among other things, current debates and topics that have often been ignored in North-South partnership work. These include important topics such as Decolonization, power-critical perspectives and global justice in partnershipsQuestions on the political dimension, human rights and gender equality are now also an important part of the questionnaire.

What advantages does the questionnaire offer for North-South partnerships?

I very much hope that the questionnaire will reach many partnership groups and be actively used. Because reflection within partnerships can Improve communication, start joint learning processes and generally enable conscious discussion among each otherThe questionnaire is flexible in its use, will certainly not be the last version and will continue to develop over time. The topics and relevance of the questions change over time. We would therefore like to encourage partnership groups to ask their own questions and to look for solutions together with their partners. To enable even wider use, we plan to translate the brochure into four more languages ​​(English, French, Spanish and Portuguese) so that partners in the Global South can also work with the catalogue.

What other recommendation would you like to give to partnership groups?

My personal recommendation for all those involved in North-South partnerships is to view partnerships as a learning field and to always be open to learning from the Global South.

Thank you for this insight.

Your contact person

DR. KIDIST HAILU

Specialist promoter for local partnership initiatives

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BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP PARTNERSHIP CENTER SEZ

Kick-off for virtual exchange series of young people on future issues

© SEZ

In virtual space, young people from different countries meet across borders, present project ideas to each other, make contacts and work together towards a better future.

The start of the virtual exchange series on July 2 was a significant milestone in the international cooperation of young people between Baden-Württemberg, Burundi, Benin and other countries.
Around 28 young people took part in the kick-off. The virtual meeting began with getting to know each other on a personal level and the organizations that the young volunteers represent in their respective countries. The participants met in speed dating sessions.

The participants represent a wide range of areas from climate justice to sustainable development to sensitivity to discrimination and are involved in their organizations and projects.

What expectations do young people have of exchanges across borders?

The aim of the event was to find out, at the first meeting of the exchange series, which will take place every two months in the future, what expectations the participants have of the exchange and what they need for their work and commitment.

These were the key concerns of the young people: better education, more climate justice, support for entrepreneurship, more sustainability in all areas of life, awareness of discrimination, good governance and political participation of young people. These issues are the major challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world today. How can they support each other in tackling these issues and what other forms of support are there?

How can we work together to tackle the big questions of the future and what other forms of support are there?

During the event, various options for joint projects and their financing were presented. beffects!Abroad as well as the AMAHORO Anniversary Grant were mentioned as a financing option.

As a next step, the young people agreed to meet again in two months to continue exchanging ideas and common projects.

Would you like to attend the next meetings and become part of “Connecting Futures”? Do you know young people who would be interested in this offer? More information is available here.

Your contact

RAÏSSA MPUNDU

Project coordination within the partnership between BW and Burundi

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BENEFIT BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

Floods in Burundi

Disbursement of relief supplies supports those affected in Burundi. © Niko Zalac / Nidji Studio

"In Gatumba and neighboring regions alone, over 100.000 people have lost their homes and livelihoods due to the floods."

This is how Ange Muyubira, managing director of Kaz'O'zah in Bujumbura, describes the situation. Due to extreme and prolonged rainfall, Lake Tanganyika has overflowed its banks in many places along the coast and landslides have destroyed roads, fields and houses in large parts of Burundi. According to climate experts, the floods are related to the El Niño weather phenomenon and are a direct result of climate change. Burundi, one of the countries that has contributed the least to climate change, is now bearing the brunt of the consequences. Local aid organizations and neighborhood organizations set up emergency shelters and carry out rescue operations. The SEZ was together with the Stuttgart organization STELP At the beginning of May in Burundi, together with local organizations Fondation Stamm and Kaz'O'zah to support on site. “In this catastrophe of unprecedented proportions, we are happy to be working with an energetic organization like STELP. Now it’s important to listen carefully to the local partners in order to overcome the situation together,” says Philipp Keil, Managing Director of the SEZ.

Our partner organizations in Burundi support the population with food donations and rebuilding livelihoods. The long-term consequences of the flood disaster also need to be addressed.

Support partner projects such as Kaz'O'Zah's project, which supports 100 women in Gatumba with cross-border trade to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

All donations go directly to our project partners without deducting administrative costs. Please provide your address for a donation receipt.

Thank you!

Bank details for donations

Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation (SEZ)
IBAN: DE26 6005 0101 0001 3612 74
BIC: SOLADEST600

Intended use: Burundi

You can see a church that appears to be in a lake. A person is in a boat in front of it.
In Burundi, over 100.000 people have lost their homes due to the floods. © Niko Zalac / Nidji Studio

Contact Person

PHILIPP KEIL

Executive Board

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BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

Burundian delegation visits Baden-Württemberg

(from left to right) Ange Nihimbaze, Minutes of the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Annonciata Sendazirasa, Burundian Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation in the Republic of Burundi, Ambassador Dieudonné Ndabarushimana, Senior Advisor and Ambassador Egide Ndikuriyo, Director of European Affairs Lake Constance (©: SEZ).

In April, Stuttgart became the scene of a special encounter:

The visit of the Burundian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Ambassador Albert Shingiro, together with a high-ranking delegation from Burundi, marked the celebratory start to the AMAHORO anniversary! State partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi. Together with the new Burundian ambassador to Germany, Annonciata Sendazirasa, the delegation visited various stations in Baden-Württemberg from April 3rd to 7th. The Burundian guests were accompanied by the SEZ and the State Ministry. In addition to many political discussions, the program included exchanges with companies and discussions with civil society and municipal representatives. A city tour with a private guide through the Africa exhibition in the Linden Museum rounded off the visit. Fiona Siegenthaler, curator of the Africa department at the Linden Museum Stuttgart, showed Burundian artifacts whose exact origins and their route to the museum are still unclear. The Burundian delegation appeared particularly interested and open to further cooperation during its visit to Off Grid Europe in Pfullendorf. The provider of solar solutions specializes in the African market and hoped that the important visit from Burundi would gain entry into the partner country. A short visit to Lake Constance, the “Tanganjika of Baden-Württemberg”, made it possible to end the trip with a view of the lake.

Political discussions at the Fair Trade trade fair

Within the Fair trade fair The delegation had fruitful working discussions with the Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir, the Baden-Württemberg Minister for Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, Peter Hauk, State Secretary Rudi Hoogvliet as well as the development policy speakers Catherine Kern (Greens), Georg Heitlinger (FDP), Tim Bückner (CDU) representing Dr. Albrecht Schütte (CDU) and Sebastian Cuny (SPD) to deepen the partnership.

Within the Opening of the Slow Food and Fair Trade Fair The Minister for Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Peter Hauk, as a Baden-Württemberg government representative, handed over the birthday cake to Ambassador Albert Shingiro: vegan and locally produced, the cake from Kuchenliebe symbolizes the essence of the partnership. A combination of local spelled with a cream made from passion fruit and coffee is a symbol of what the partnership is all about: the exchange between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi. The delegation happily visited various stands and exchanged ideas with various actors. A special moment at the trade fair was Development policy state conference, which took place on the occasion of the anniversary of the AMAHORO! Country partnership placed a regional focus on the partner country Burundi. “People and resources are not equally distributed around the world,” emphasized Ambassador Albert Shingiro at the national development policy conference. In his speech, he highlighted the need for diplomatic channels to “agree on a fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of resources.”

On April 7th, the Burundian delegation led by Ambassador Shingiro traveled to Berlin to deepen cooperation at the federal level. “We received a very warm welcome and felt at home,” says Minister Shingiro, describing his first visit to the country. It was a week full of encounters, exchanges and potential for future collaborations, which filled both the Burundian delegation and their hosts in Baden-Württemberg with confidence. We look forward to seeing you again – Tuzosubira!

You can see three people standing next to each other and talking.
Ambassador Annonciata Sendazirasa, Burundian Ambassador to Germany, and Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, in conversation with Nadine Elghonimy, SEZ, at AMAHORO! State partnership (©: SEZ / Fotonoid).
You can see a group of people just arriving and being greeted.
Off-Grid Europe warmly welcomed the Burundian delegation (©: Tom Lunk / Off-Grid Europe).
You see people sitting around a conference table and conferring.
Political discussions between Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, and Rudi Hoogvliet, State Secretary for Media Policy and Federal Representative of the State of Baden-Württemberg (©: State Ministry / Franziska Kraufmann)
You can see a woman standing in front of a basket in the museum.
Ambassador Annonciata Sendazirasa in front of a Burundian artifact in the Linden Museum (©: SEZ)
You can see a group of people posing for a picture. In the foreground is a group of drummers in traditional clothing.
The Burundian delegation was pleased about the appearance of the tambourinaires of the Burundian diaspora in Germany at the national development policy conference (©: State Ministry / Franziska Kraufmann).

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

Partnership work by AMAHORO! Country partnership between BW & Burundi

Categories
BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

In conversation with Ange Muyubira

Ange Myubira in three aspects: Burundi lover, born entrepreneur and world enthusiast (© SEZ/Ange Muyubira).

The Burundian entrepreneur Ange Muyubira founded her first company when she was still at school. This awakened her entrepreneurial spirit. Today she is CEO of Kaz'O'zah in Burundi. In the conversation she tells us more about her work and her motivation.

Can you introduce yourself and your work?

My name is Ange Muyubira and I would say that I am a born entrepreneur and like to be financially independent. I like exploring the world and using my talents to serve my community. I want the people around me to be able to do the same.

That's why everything I do, in one way or another, is all about ensuring that people earn a good income, have a good living and that their country benefits from it. Three aspects sum me up well: Burundi lover, born entrepreneur, world enthusiast.

I started my first company at school. It was a delivery service for NGOs and companies. Because of the war, the employees were unable to go home for lunch.

When I went to study in the UK, the experience from my first business helped me: I was able to study, work and start my next small business at the same time. All of these experiences ultimately led to me now running a social enterprise, a non-profit organization and a microfinance organization.

 

What does Kaz'O'zah mean?

Kaz'O'zah is Kirundi and means "Shining future". Kaz'O'zah is divided into three branches:

  1. Kaz'O'zah Arts for the commercial sector
  2. Kaz'O'zah Keza is a non-profit organization
  3. Kaz'O'zah Fund for Microfinance

The story of Kaz'O'zah began in collaboration with artists. That's why the first branch is called Kaz'O'zah Arts. In response to the artists' needs, the non-profit organization Kaz'O'zah Keza followed. It helps artists and communities improve their business development skills and teaches them how to use their income to improve their lives. So it's about livelihood and financial inclusion. The alumni then benefit from the financial services of the Kaz'O'zah Fund. All these branches emerged from the needs of the market and the needs of customers.

 

What has been the highlight of all these experiences so far and what has been the biggest challenge?

When I came back from England as an interpreter, I had the opportunity to get a very well-paid job in an international organization. But I didn't want that. Instead, I told myself I wanted to work with rural communities and contribute to the success of the country. And I said to myself: Burundi has an employment problem. I don't want to come and take jobs away from those who don't have any. But I want to create jobs. Nobody believed in it. Everyone thought I was a little crazy.

And I'm proud to see how I did it. I didn't give up for 12 years and Kaz'O'zah has now reached over 20 Burundians and over 000 Ugandans. And I'm so proud that people's income has increased from $300 a day to $2 a day.

That's what makes me particularly proud: seeing that it's possible. Development is possible. And if you teach people something and give them a chance, they can develop. If given a chance, rural communities can thrive.

The biggest challenge I've faced so far... When I travel abroad to find cooperation partners, I always notice that many work with East Africa, but not with Burundi. This is very painful because you ask yourself: If everyone loves what you do, was it a mistake to be born in the wrong part of the world? For this reason, I have great respect for the SEZ, which has been working with Burundi for over 40 years.

 

What motivates you for your work?

The words I said to myself: I want to contribute to the development of Burundi. I'm putting everything I have into this. I am very passionate and very committed to making positive changes in this country and showing the world the great things about our country.

 

You mentioned the aspect of collaboration and how difficult it is sometimes to find cooperation partners abroad. How can the AMAHORO! Partnership play a role in your work in Burundi?

There is a saying in Kirundi “Ubwenge Burarahurwa”. Translated: Wisdom must be bought. It means that wisdom does not come by itself. Instead, you have to look for them somewhere else. In terms of cooperation, it means that we want to learn something from the Germans and we want the Germans to learn something from us too.

There is also another saying: “Iminwe iroyha inyuranye.” It means that hands taste good when they are exchanged. So in a figurative sense: I feed you, you feed me and then it tastes good. If we share our knowledge and what we can bring to the table, a good result will come out.

Thank you very much for this interview. Tuzosubira.

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

Partnership work by AMAHORO! Country partnership between BW & Burundi

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BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

Celebratory anniversary celebration in Bujumbura

Godelieve Manirakiza, Association des Femmes Repatriées du Burundi, Salomée Ndayishimiye, Radio Indindi Culture, and Grace Fleur Francine Uwitonze, Association des Scouts du Burundi discuss the promotion of rural women. Diane Ndonse, Association des Femmes Journalistes du Burundi, moderated (© SEZ).

On March 21, 2024, the anniversary of the AMAHORO! State partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi celebrated in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Already Baden-Württemberg and Burundi have had friendly relations for over forty years and the partnership agreement was signed exactly ten years ago signed by the two regions.

On the occasion of the month of March, which is dedicated to women's rights, the event was themed “Promoting rural women for sustainable development” and, with its inspiring speakers, provided impulses as far away as Baden-Württemberg. The Burundian social entrepreneur, Ange Muyubira, gave suggestions for sustainable support options for rural women in Burundi. Her organization, Kaz'O'zah (Kirundi for “bright future”) brings financial education and entrepreneurship to women.

The inspiring speaker emphasized the importance of investments and the simultaneous imparting of financial knowledge and entrepreneurial skills. According to Ange Muyubira, rural women in Burundi can invest their own money and ultimately lead an independent life.

Ange Muyubira's impulses were followed by an exciting panel discussion with Godelieve Manirakiza, Association des Femmes Repatriées du Burundi, Salomée Ndayishimiye, Radio Indundi Culture, Grace Fleur Francine Uwitonze, Association des Scouts du Burundi and Ange Muyubira. Moderated by Diane Ndonse, Association des Femmes Journalistes du Burundi. The discussion on the topic of “Promoting rural women for sustainable development” led to a lively discussion among the participants.

The Amahoro! State partnership and feminist foreign policy

In his welcome, Philipp Keil, the Executive Board of the Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation (SEZ), which coordinates the AMAHORO! State partnership is anchored, the importance of long-term partnership is emphasized.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Burundi, Mr. Carsten Hölscher, who took office in Bujumbura in August 2023, pointed out Germany's feminist foreign policy in his speech. By mainstreaming feminism, topics such as gender equality and the empowerment of women are finding their way into German foreign and development policy.

The first anniversary celebration of AMAHORO! The state partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi was a celebratory start to the anniversary year.

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

Partnership work by AMAHORO! Country partnership between BW & Burundi

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BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP INTERVIEW SEZ

In conversation with Divine Umulisa

In conversation with journalist and author Divine Umulisa Gashugi © Divine Umulisa Gashugi

Find out how to be part of AMAHORO! in conversation with journalist and author, Divine Umulisa Gashugi. Country partnership has become and what wishes she has as coordinator, especially for the Amahoro Burundi school initiative.

What is your job in AMAHORO! State partnership?

I have been a coordinator for the since 2022 Amahoro Burundi school initiative the Reutlingen Development Education Information Center (EPiZ) employed. Together with my colleagues Kafalo Sékongo, Gundula Büker and Natalia Zumarán, I am part of the AMAHORO Education Cluster! State partnership. We work with various actors in the field of education to make the partnership better known. Our motto here is: learn from each other instead of learning about each other.

To do this, I organize events where students from Baden-Württemberg have an exchange with young people from Burundi. We also support schools that are already active in the partnership.

How did you become part of the partnership?

First and foremost, of course, about my job as AMAHORO coordinator! School initiative. But also about my personal story: I was born in Rwanda and have already lived in Burundi. So I have many friends and acquaintances in Burundi. Before my role as coordinator for school partnerships, I worked with young people from Burundi for over ten years. For example, in creative projects for political education as well as in the areas of art and culture.

I now live in Baden-Württemberg and the partnership is an opportunity for me to continue my work with people in Burundi. I like that it is now my job to bring both cultures together. Every time I am in contact with our Burundian partners and colleagues, it feels as if we have always been working together. Our shared understanding makes our collaboration particularly productive.

What is your wish for the partnership?

My wish for the partnership is of course that it gets more visibility. Unfortunately, schools in Baden-Württemberg are still difficult to win over for a school partnership in general and it is particularly difficult when it comes to the partner country Burundi. Because the country is not that well known and is not a tourist destination for people in Germany. My wish would be that we financially support the school partnership with Burundi so that a partnership with the partner country of Baden-Württemberg becomes more attractive for the local schools.

Basically, I wish the AMAHORO! State partnership to increase visibility and strengthen its work on the anniversary.

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

Partnership work by AMAHORO! Country partnership between BW & Burundi

Categories
BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

New: AMAHORO! Anniversary funding

© SEZ; Graphic: Studio Micha Binder

Many will have already noticed: The AMAHORO! State partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi celebrates anniversary. For over 40 years, partnerships have connected people from the countryside to the land of 1000 hills.

To ensure that the broad network of active and committed people grows, the AMAHORO is taking place once this year! Anniversary funding specifically for your Burundi-related events, media and public relations work.

The AMAHORO! State partnership should become better known, which is why the SEZ supports your ideas and your commitment with funds from the state of Baden-Württemberg.

The AMAHORO! Anniversary funding shortly:

  • Be promoted publicity activities, events, media etc. related to Burundi in Baden-Württemberg.
  • are eligible non-profit, private providers, clubs and organizations based in Baden-Württemberg, especially diasporic organizations.
  • The funding and activities start from now until and including December 31, 2024.
  • Applications should take approximately 8 weeks before carrying out the activity.
  • The amount of funding is a maximum of EUR 2.000 per organization.

More information about AMAHORO! anniversary funding, You can find the guidelines and the application form here here.

Your contact person

NADINE ELGHONIMY

Project coordination Dohuk and AMAHORO! State partnership

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