Category: SEZ

Celebratory anniversary celebration in Bujumbura

Post Author From hawener
Post date May 3

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

In conversation with Divine Umulisa

Post Author From hawener
Post date April 25, 2024

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

BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

New: AMAHORO! Anniversary funding

Post Author From annalightly
Post date April 25, 2024

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

BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP INTERVIEW SEZ

In conversation with Bishop Dr. Bigirimana

Post Author From annalightly
Post date April 25, 2024

Bishop Dr. Éraste Bigirimana and Philipp Keil exchanged ideas during their visit to AMAHORO! State partnership and education (© SEZ).

On March 7, 2024, the Anglican Bishop of Bujumbura, Dr. Éraste Bigirimana, the SEZ office in Stuttgart. His vision: to strengthen education and connect teachers and students from both regions. The AMAHORO! State partnerships can support this.

What stands out to you about AMAHORO! State partnership?

I greatly value this partnership and am grateful that civil society, churches and other groups are involved in this partnership. I wish the partnership a happy anniversary and hope that it continues to grow.

What are your wishes for the future?

We would like to maintain good relationships within AMAHORO! Maintain and further expand the partnership. It is important to invest in youth and the young generation. The expansion and promotion of education, vocational training and professional development are essential for this. Because these are investments in the future and therefore projects in this area must be supported in Burundi.

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

Partnership work by AMAHORO! Country partnership between BW & Burundi

(POST)MIGRANT ORGANIZATIONS SEZ

Change of perspective - images of Africa reflected in the generations

Post Author From hawener
Post date April 23, 2024

Network meeting at Fair Trade: Images of Africa as reflected in the generations (© Cengiz Akaygün)

Participants of the network meeting at Fair Trade: In conversation about images of Africa as reflected in the generations (© Cengiz Akaygün)

On April 06, 2024, 50 voices from the Afrodiaspora in Baden-Württemberg and interested parties met at the Fair Trade trade fair for the Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg network meeting to talk about images of Africa as reflected in the generations.

Established and young voices from the Afrodiaspora shared their personal experiences and encounters with images of Africa and the stereotypical representation of the continent in Baden-Württemberg in living room discussions during the network meeting.

Moderated by Faisal Osman (Black Community Foundation Stuttgart eV), there were two rounds of discussions:

In the first conversation, Grace Alele from SIMAMA – STAND UP eV and Eric Kamguia from Awoli eV exchanged their personal experiences with images of Africa. In the second round Naemi Mirene Makiadi from Afrokids International eV and the ReCollect Collective and Komlan Batema from KAMA MBOWOU eV talked about the diversity and complexity of the African continent. In both conversations, the speakers took the listeners on an intergenerational journey into the past, present and future.

Musically, the artist has Akeva! Malayika framed the event with their songs.

Thanks to all participants and supporters!

The artist Akeva! Malayika © Cengiz Akaygün

Nicole Kimmel, State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg next to Paulino José Miguel, Forum der Kulturen eV © Cengiz Akaygün

Eric Kamguia from Awoli eV and Komlan Batema from KAMA MBOWOU eV © Cengiz Akaygün

Naemi Mirene Makiadi from the ReCollect collective and Afrokids International eV © Cengiz Akaygün

Participants of the Africa Forum network meeting © Cengiz Akaygün

Komlan Batema and Naemi Mirene Makiadi in conversation © Cengiz Akaygün

Eric Kamguia and Grace Alele in conversation © Cengiz Akaygün

Question and answer session with speakers E. Kamguia, K. Batema, G. Alele, N. Makiadi (from left to right) moderated by Faisal Osman © Cengiz Akaygün

Become part of the network

Would you like to work with the Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg network to promote more exchange between actors in Afrodiasporic civil society and representatives from state politics, foundations, municipal representations and administration?

As part of the network, you strengthen the partnerships and the participation of those involved in global issues and actively contribute to rethinking the image of Africa in Baden-Württemberg.

We look forward to new faces and your interest in the Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg network and cordially invite you to become part of the network. Attend one of the events in the network or contact us if you would like to be included in our mailing list.

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

SAMRAWIT PETROS

Strategy Partnerships & Africa Forum

LESLIE HAWENER

Management & Communications Officer

Tags #ChangingTheNarrative, Africa Forum, Africa pictures, Aphrodiaspora, Baden-Württemberg

BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

In gratitude for Erich Schneider

Post Author From hawener
Post date February 28, 2024

On the occasion of Erich Schneider's 90th birthday: Philipp Keil, Erich Schneider and State Parliament President Muhterem Aras in Burgstetten on August 2, 2023

On the occasion of the 90th birthday of Mr. Erich Schneider, former President of the State Parliament. D., in Burgstetten in August 2023: SEZ Managing Director Mr. Philipp Keil next to Mr. Erich Schneider and Ms. State Parliament President Muhterem Aras (from left to right) in Burgstetten. ©Municipality of Burgstetten

Erich Schneider as a pioneer of the Amahoro! State partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi

On February 8th, 2024, our long-time friend and supporter, Mr. Erich Schneider, President of the State Parliament and Mayor (retired). D., deceased. Schneider was President of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament from 1982 to 1992 and, together with Erwin Teufel, the former parliamentary group leader of the CDU state parliamentary group, promoted the establishment of the Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation.

Schneider has been committed to our partner country Burundi since his time in the state parliament and has also actively promoted this commitment under the umbrella of the Christian Youth Village Association of Germany (CJD). This led to the creation of the Erich Schneider Foundation Fund Burundi in 2006, which supports projects for the education and training of young people in the East African country.

With his commitment to Burundi, Schneider initiated the Amahoro state partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi, whose more than 40th anniversary we are celebrating this year.

Philipp Keil, Managing Director of the SEZ, honored Erich Schneider as a pioneer for this partnership at the 90th birthday celebrations in Burgstetten and expressed his gratitude for his long-standing commitment to Burundi in the following words:

Once thought in Baden-Württemberg,
A partnership was created, beautifully done.
It was Mr Schneider, President of the State Parliament, who gave it as a gift,
The ties with Burundi that guided us today.

Now we are celebrating his 90th birthday
A life full of impact, big and fine.
The state partnership, a legacy so worth
For peace and friendship that adores us.

Thanks to Mr. Schneider, we stand hand in hand,
Connected to Burundi, in a distant land.
The years pass, but the friendship remains,
A bond of hearts that will always accompany and teach us.

So we raise a glass and sing a song,
For Mr. State Parliament President Schneider, full of gratitude.
A life full of deeds, a heart full of kindness,
We congratulate you on 90 years today!

We remain deeply grateful for Mr. Erich Schneider as a pioneer of the Amahoro state partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi.

Tags Eric Schneider, Philip Keil

BW-BURUNDI PARTNERSHIP SEZ

Philipp Keil and Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann in conversation

Post Author From Lenawimmer
Post date December 6, 2023

A special moment captured in pictures: Philipp Keil personally invites Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann to the partnership celebration between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi.

The most important message to Mr. Kretschmann that Philipp Keil was able to make clear during the conversation at Villa Reitzenstein is that development cooperation begins here in Baden-Württemberg and strengthens social cohesion.

The fact that Baden-Württemberg's connections to the world are diverse and that the commitment of associations, churches and municipalities represent international partnerships in Baden-Württemberg and complement the relationships in business and research was the broad framework that Philipp Keil spanned in the conversation. Partnerships between cities, communities, NGOs and associations enable encounters between south and north and bring people from Baden-Württemberg together with people all over the world. These development policy partnerships and content priorities are in the The country's development policy guidelines which the State Ministry developed together with civil society in a complex participation process. The Council for Development Cooperation advises the state government on its implementation and is coordinated by the SEZ.

Philipp Keil also brought to the conversation a different view of the African continent, of the BW-Burundi partnership and of what development means: that we in Baden-Württemberg, as world export champions, cannot of course live at the expense of others and, above all, in addition to natural resources must also recognize the value of ideas from partner countries. Our world, which is largely influenced by Western countries, has brought about climate change and has not resolved major conflicts to this day. We are currently facing particularly big challenges, which is why new ideas are urgently needed.

Philipp Keil took the Prime Minister with him on a change of perspective: it is a task for Baden-Württemberg to learn that our partner country Burundi is a fertile, traditional country with an innovative youth. That many people in Baden-Württemberg don’t even know about. And that a focus on ideas, people and opportunities for cooperation is a win-win for both sides. Because everyone knows the moment of enlightenment on vacation or, when you walk through your hometown with someone who doesn't know it yet: you suddenly see with different eyes.

Therefore, the invitation to the Prime Minister to celebrate the anniversary of the BW-Burundi partnership together with the State Ministry, the Baden-Württemberg state parliament and the Burundian and Baden-Württemberg protagonists of the partnership fell on fertile ground. As a gift, Philipp Keil brought the Prime Minister a small drum from Burundi, which represents a national landmark and is world-famous. Burundian drums and ritual dance convey cultural, political and social messages and bring people of different generations and backgrounds together to promote unity and social cohesion. The ritual dances and drums from Burundi have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

SEZ Board of Trustees

Philipp Keil is a guest on the podcast of the Baden-Württemberg state representation in Berlin

Development cooperation of the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg

Tags Prime Minister Kretschmann, Philip Keil, SEZ

SEZ BUSINESS

G-PAD Forum 2023: Politics meets Pan-Africanism

Post Author From hawener
Post date November 29, 2023

Speakers and visitors of G-PAD 2023 (from left to right): Mr. Philipp Keil (Managing Director of SEZ), HE Mr. Igor César (Ambassador of Rwanda), Timi Olanrewaju (LEAD Africa International eV), HE Ms. Alice Mashingaidze (Ambassador of Zimbabwe), HE Mr. Mbana Makina (Counsellor of Equatorial Guinea) © LEAD Africa International eV

On October 20, 2023, 250 participants of the Global Partnership for African Development (G-PAD) Forum 2023 met at the Baden-Württemberg State Representation in Berlin and online. This year's forum, with the theme "Africa's Outlook as an Emerging Global Market," invited the audience to exchange ideas about Africa's perspective as a future global market.

For the sixth time, LEAD Africa International eV has given speakers from various sectors and countries a platform to talk about Leadership, startups and a new image of Africa This year, in addition to representatives from politics, science and business, an activist voice was also heard – that of the renowned Pan-Africanist Prof. PLO Lumumba.

Prof. PLO Lumumba stressed that everyone must ask themselves the question “In whose interest is the relationship?” when relationships and partnerships are discussed. Because Africa is and always has been a continent of interest for the West. But discussions in the West are not to the benefit of the continent, but are partly reminiscent of the Berlin Conference of 1884/1885. Prof. PLO Lumumba called for a new, different style of partnerships with Africa: not parasitic, but symbiotic.

The G-PAD Forum 2023 is characterized by the fact that uncomfortable and open words are heard alongside impulses from politics and business.

Auch State Secretary Rudi Hoogvliet spoke in his welcoming speech of new partnerships. Because it is time for Germany to catch up with how other countries are in their relations with the continent. For far too long, they have leaned back and relied on old narratives. Africa is the continent of the future and therefore new partnerships are needed.

With this year’s G-PAD Forum in political Berlin, the organizer Timi Olanrewaju with the association LEAD Africa International eV, which he founded, he has gone a step further with regard to new partnerships, new friendships and fair cooperation.

We heard these statements at G-PAD 2023

For new partnerships in Germany or with German organizations, it must be clear what added value Africa offers – and Africa has a lot to offer.

Dr. Joy Alemazung

Mayor of the municipality of Heubach

Several countries in the Global North have already made assessments of Africa. Now it is time for Africa to find out for itself where the continent stands and what contribution Africa can and wants to make in new partnerships.

HE Igor César

Ambassador of Rwanda

'Nothing about us without us.' – It is time to work together to transform current challenges into opportunities and to do this we do not need any further strategies for Africa from outside.

SE Stone Sizani

Ambassador of South Africa

It is important for Germany to understand that Africa is not a humanitarian aid project, but requires long-term investments.

Prof. Brando Okolo

Head of the Steinbeis Consulting Center IMAPS

Pan-African impulses to Berlin

In addition to insights into previous and future partnerships, Prof. PLO Lumumba also addressed the current situation of pan-African cooperation. Africa has a duty to form alliances. Otherwise, it will just be jumping like a yo-yo from G20 to BRICS to G20 meetings. Pan-African institutions must therefore be strengthened and Africa itself must define itself, organize itself and identify its priorities. So that it can control the agenda itself and make itself heard. With Agenda 2063, the continent has the infrastructure for this, it must now be used and projects implemented.

He highlighted the important point that Africa must start to create added value and that pan-African meetings are necessary for this. But Africa never has discussions among itself, the meetings are always promoted by the GIZ and similar actors. This is why Prof. PLO Lumumba recently addressed a request to the West: “Leave us alone to discuss things alone!” The resulting results can then be used to exchange ideas again.

Prof. PLO Lumumba’s pan-African impulses were complemented by voices from the African diaspora, which honest and respectful exchange The G-PAD Forum 2023 provided a platform for this with the platform in the Baden-Württemberg State Representation.

cooperation partners

Your contact persons

SAMRAWIT PETROS

Strategy Partnerships & Africa Forum

LESLIE HAWENER

Management & Communications Officer

Tags G-PAD, Lead Africa International eV, Partnership work, Philip Keil, Timi Olanrewaju

BENEFIT PROJECT FUNDING SEZ

Christmas fundraiser 2023

Post Author From hawener
Post date November 7, 2023

Join the SEZ Christmas fundraiser!

Next year we will celebrate the anniversary of the partnership between Burundi and Baden-Württemberg. We are therefore particularly committed to promoting them. After all, long-term projects and friendships are the basis of the BW-Burundi partnership. One of these is the health center in Mutumba, which has been committed to providing comprehensive medical care for the local population since 1963.

Based on the Kirundian proverb Abāntu n'íbīntu ní magiríranire We would therefore like to ask you this year for your support for the health center in Mutumba. With your donation you support our partner organization in making a sustainable contribution to the well-being of mothers, children and people in need in Mutumba. Because as Burundian wisdom says, everyone makes a contribution to the whole.

We would be delighted if you would also become part of the partnership and take part in this year's SEZ Christmas fundraising campaign.

Join us in supporting the health center in Mutumba in eastern Burundi and, if you wish, be named as a sponsor on our website. Below you can find more information about the project.

Your donation supports the health center in ensuring medical care in Mutumba and thus making a lasting contribution to the well-being of mothers, children and people in need in Mutumba.

The 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

Tags Mutumba, Christmas fundraiser

SEZ BUSINESS

G-PAD Forum 2023

Post Author From hawener
Post date October 25th

The Global Partnership for African Development (G-PAD) Forum will take place again on October 20, 2023. This year’s theme is “Africa’s Outlook as an Emerging Global Market” – register directly and discuss Africa’s perspective as a global market with exciting speakers.

This year the association's Global Partnership for African Development (G-PAD) Forum event is taking place for the sixth time Lead Africa International eV with the support of the Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation (SEZ).

On October 20, 2023, the committed African diaspora, African political decision-makers, actors from business, politics and civil society will meet at the Baden-Württemberg state representation in Berlin and online to discuss Africa's perspective as an emerging global market.

G-PAD 2023 will take place hybrid in Berlin and online. The conference language is English. All further information can be found via the registration link.

Be inspired by the diverse speakers and guests. We look forward to your participation!

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

The Amahoro! State partnership and feminist foreign policy

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

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.

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

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.

Your contact person

NADINE ELGHONIMY

On March 7, 2024, the Anglican Bishop of Bujumbura, Dr. Éraste Bigirimana, the SEZ office in Stuttgart. His vision: to strengthen education and connect teachers and students from both regions. The AMAHORO! State partnerships can support this.

Your contact person

MUNA HASSABALLAH

On April 06, 2024, 50 voices from the Afrodiaspora in Baden-Württemberg and interested parties met at the Fair Trade trade fair for the Africa Forum Baden-Württemberg network meeting to talk about images of Africa as reflected in the generations.

Become part of the network

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

SAMRAWIT PETROS

LESLIE HAWENER

Erich Schneider as a pioneer of the Amahoro! State partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi

We heard these statements at G-PAD 2023

Pan-African impulses to Berlin

cooperation partners

Your contact persons

SAMRAWIT PETROS

LESLIE HAWENER

Join the SEZ Christmas fundraiser!

The Global Partnership for African Development (G-PAD) Forum will take place again on October 20, 2023. This year’s theme is “Africa’s Outlook as an Emerging Global Market” – register directly and discuss Africa’s perspective as a global market with exciting speakers.

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