Das Projekt zielt im Grunde darauf, Menschen afrikanischer Abstammung oder Menschen mit und ohne Migrationserfahrung einen Raum für Begegnung und Kommunikation zu bieten, d.h.einen Diskussionsraum und Meinungsaustausch zu verschiedenen Aspekten des sozialen, kulturellen und politischen Leben von Migranten in Thüringen zu eröffnen. Der Dialog dient der interkulturellen Begegnung und möchte einen Perspektivwechsel auf soziale, kulturelle und politische Fragen ermöglichen.Die Treffen stellen eine Plattform dar, um Diskussionen zu Themen zu fördern, die nicht nur Afrikaner und Migranten in Thüringen selbst betreffen, sondern auch relevant sind für die allgemeine Zivilbevölkerung sowie Akteure im Migrations- und Integrationsbereich in Erfurt und Thüringen. Die genaueren Ziele lauten folgendermaßen:
1. Meinungsaustausch über das körperliche, geistige, emotionale, soziale, kulturelle und politische Leben von Menschen afrikanischer Herkunft oder Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund in Thüringen fördern.
2. Ein Dialog- oder Multilogforum zu aktuellen Themen eröffnen, die Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund und Deutsche betreffen, zum kulturellen und interperspektiven Austausch zu Bildungszwecken.
3. Eine Plattform bieten, um cooperative Diskussionen zu Themen zu fördern, die nicht nur Afrikaner und Migranten in Thüringen, sonder auch die allgemeine Gesellschaft in Deutschland und Afrika betreffen.
Im Projekt “Open-Mic-Night” planen wir monatliche öffentliche Austauschtreffen zu aktuellen migrations- und integrationspolitische Themen (u. a. Einfluss von Covid19 auf Integrationsprozesse, Bildung, Arbeitsmarkt, Kulturelle Diversität, Sprachvielfalt), die Menschen mit afrikanischem oder anderem Migrationshintergrund in Thüringen betreffen. Die insgesamt 8 Veranstaltungen sind offen für alle am Austausch Interessierten. Durch die gemeinsame Diskussion aktueller Themen von Menschen mit und ohne Migrationserfahrung wird ein Raum für Begegnung und Kommunikation geschaffen und das gegenseitige Verständnis füreinander verbessert.
Das Projekt richtet sich an Menschen mit und ohne Migrationserfahrung in Erfurt und Thüringen. Es werden zwischen 20 und 30 TeilnehmerInnen pro Open-Mic-Night Event angestrebt.
Jeden Monat wird ein Thema während der Open-Mic-Session vorgestellt und im Plenum diskutiert. Das Open-Mic-Programm wird jeden letzten Samstag im Monat stattfinden. Die öffentlichen Veranstaltungen werden einzeln beworben. Das Programm besteht aus zwei Stunden Diskussion und einer Stunde Vernetzung der Teilnehmenden in lockerer Atmosphäre bei Snacks und Getränken. Eine Übersicht der geplanten Themen für die ersten 6 Treffen ist weiter unten aufgelistet. Um an den aktuellen Fragen und Interessen der Teilnehmenden anzusetzen, sind die Themen der beiden letzten Treffen offen gestaltet. Die Wünsche der Teilnehmenden werden in einer Google-Doc-Umfrage abgefragt und zu den Diskussionsschwerpunkten der letzten beiden Treffen.
Aktivität 1 Juli 30, 2022: Einfluss von Covid19 auf Integrationsprozesse
Aktivität 2 Aug 27, 2022: Herausforderungen von Integration im Bildungsbereich
Aktivität 3 Sept 24, 2022: Integration und Arbeitsmarkt
Aktivität 4 Okt 29, 2022: Diskriminierung im Alltag
Aktivität 5 Nov 26, 2022: Kulturelle Vielfalt fördern (im Rahmen der Interkulturellen Woche)
Das Projekt wird von Ehrenamtlichen der Africa Partners Initiative geplant, beworben und umgesetzt. Die monatlichen Treffen werden zusätzlich von einer Koordinatorin vor- und nachbereitet sowie von einem Moderator geleitet. Die Koordination ist für die administrativen Aufgaben (Anmeldungen, Organisation der ehrenamtlichen Übersetzungen, Dokumentation der Veranstaltung, Themenabfragen, Materialtransport) verantwortlich. Die Inhalte der monatlichen Diskussionen sollen in einer Dokumentation festgehalten und veröffentlicht werden, um die Ergebnisse nachhaltig zu sichern. Der Moderator bereitet zu jedem Thema einen 10-minütigen Input/Einführung vor um die Grundlage für die nachfolgende Diskussion zu liefern. Außerdem leitet er die insgesamt 3-stündigen Treffen und moderiert den Austausch der Teilnehmenden. Für diesen Mehraufwand sind Honorare eingeplant.
Hintergrund des Projekts Aufgrund der Covid-19 Pandemie gab es in den letzten beiden Jahren wenige Gelegenheiten für Menschen mit und ohne Migrationserfahrung in Präsenz in Thüringen zusammenzukommen und sich über relevante Fragen/Probleme auszutauschen. Dabei haben sich gerade auch im Bereich Migration und Integration neue Herausforderungen ergeben. Eine Forschung zeigt, dass sich die Auswirkungen der Pandemie negativ auf u.a. das Wohlbefinden von Minderheiten- und Migrantengruppen in der Bevölkerung auswirkt (Saladina et al, 2020).
Die zentrale Idee hinter den “Open Mic Night” Treffen ist es, nun wieder öffentliche Räume der interkulturellen Begegnung und des Austauschs zu schaffen, Räume in denen aktuelle Fragen zu Integration und Migration in Thüringen gemeinsam diskutiert und verschiedene Meinungen dazu ausgetauscht werden. Denn oft bietet der Alltag nicht die Zeit, um sich intensiver mit solchen Fragen zu beschäftigen oder man verbleibt im Austausch mit dem eigenen engen Umfeld. Die Treffen sollen somit nicht nur Menschen mit und ohne Migrationserfahrung zusammenbringen, sondern auch aktiv dazu ermutigen verschiedene Perspektiven einzunehmen und Themen wie Bildung, soziale Teilhabe, Sprachbarrieren und kulturelle Vielfalt auf unterschiedliche Art und Weise zu betrachten. Dies trägt letztendlich zu einem besseren wechselseitigen Verständnis und mehr Akzeptanz und Kommunikation untereinander bei. Zudem möchte das Projekt im September einen Beitrag im Rahmen der Interkulturellen Woche 2022 stellen, in dem gemeinsam über die Förderung von kultureller Vielfalt in Erfurt/Thüringen gesprochen wird.
Die Ergebnisse der Diskussionen werden dokumentiert und im Nachgang veröffentlicht. So bekommt eine breitere Öffentlichkeit Einblick in den Meinungsaustausch.
Collins G Adeyanju (API-Koordinator) spricht während des Kampagnenprojekts Wasser, Sanitär und Hygiene (WASH) im März 2020 vor der Gemeinde. Collins G Adeyanju (API-Koordinator) demonstriert die richtige Handwäsche während des Community-Trainings und der Sensibilisierung; vor der Feier zum Weltwassertag 2020.
COVID-19-Spendenaktion für Lebensmittel in der Takalafia-Gemeinde, Nigeria.
Seit der ersten Meldung im Dezember 2019 hat sich das COVID-19-Coronavirus weltweit verbreitet.
In einem verzweifelten Bemühen, die Ausbreitung einzudämmen, führen zahlreiche Länder eine breite Palette von Maßnahmen ein. Eine davon sind Ausgangssperren. Dies hat die wirtschaftliche Lage vieler Länder und den Lebensunterhalt der Bürger, insbesondere in sozioökonomisch schwachen Milieus, beeinträchtigt.
Eine Region, die voraussichtlich schwer betroffen sein wird, ist Subsahara-Afrika, wo mehr als die Hälfte der Wirtschaftsleistung im informellen Sektor betrieben wird und viele Menschen auf ein tägliches Einkommen angewiesen sind. Die Umsetzung der Ausgangssperre in der gesamten Region und ihre wirtschaftlichen Folgen stellen eine große Gefahr für die ohnehin wirtschaftlich fragile Bevölkerung dar. Africa Partners Initiative e.V. (API) sammelt Spenden, um schutzbedürftige Familien in Nigeria zu unterstützen, insbesondere für unsere Projektpartner-Gemeinde „Takalafia“.
Die Takalafia-Gemeinde ist eine kleine ländliche Gemeinde im Hauptstadt-Gebiet von Nigeria, die aus 106 Haushalten besteht.
Kurz vor dem Ausbruch von COVID-19 war die Gemeinde Teil des “WASH”-Projekts (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene), getragen von der Africa Partners Initiative e.V. (API) in Zusammenarbeit mit lokalen Partnern in Nigeria. Im Rahmen des “WASH”-Projekts wurde die Gemeinde in angemessener Hygiene geschult, um die Belastung durch vermeidbare Krankheiten durch gesteigertes Gesundheitsverhalten und den Aufbau grundlegender Sanitärsysteme zu verringern.
Während der Projekt- und Schulungsmaßnahmen in der Gemeinde war unser API-Koordinator Collins G. Adeyanju vor Ort, um das Projekt im Dorf Takalafia zu unterstützen. „Takalafia ist eine sehr bedürftige Gemeinde ohne Schule, ohne ordnungsgemäße Sanitärversorgung, ohne Strom, ohne Gesundheitseinrichtung – nun aber haben die Bewohner ein Bohrlochwassersystem und sind zuversichtlich, was das Wissen um Gesundheitsverhalten für sie tun kann”.
API möchte diese Gemeinde in dieser schwierigen Zeit mit einer Spende von Lebensmitteln unterstützen, da alle wirtschaftlichen Aktivitäten aufgrund der von der Regierung verhängten Ausgangssperre zur Bekämpfung der Verbreitung von COVID-19 im Land ruhen müssen.
Wir möchten 2.000 EUR für den Kauf von Lebensmitteln sammeln, die an Mitglieder der Takalafia-Gemeinschaft gespendet werden sollen.
Die Africa Partners Initiative e.V. unterstützt diesen Zweck mit 400 EUR aus eigenen Mitteln.
Zum 6. Mai 2020 haben wir 1.180 Euro gesammelt.
Jetzt spenden: Überweisen Sie Ihre Spenden auf das unten stehende Konto.
Collins G Adeyanju (API Coordinator) addressing the community during the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) campaign project in March 2020. Collins G Adeyanju (API Coordinator) demonstrating proper hand wash during the community training and sensitisation; ahead of the World Water Day 2020 celebration.
COVID-19 Food Donation Fundraising for Takalafia community and others in Nigeria
Since first being reported in December 2019, the COVID-19 coronavirus has spread around the world. In a frantic effort to curtail the spread, all countries are introducing a wide range of measures. One of such is a lockdown. This has hit the economic sustainability of countries and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, especially the vulnerable ones.
One of the regions expected to be hit hard is the sub-Sahara Africa, where more than half the economy is informal and are daily income-driven. The implementation of lockdown in the entire region and its economic consequences portend tragic danger to the already economically fragile population. Africa Partners Initiative e.V. (API) is fundraising to support vulnerable families in Nigeria, especially targeting one of our project partner communities “Takalafia”.
Takalafia community is a small, rural and farming community in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria comprised of 106 households.
Shortly before the outbreak of COVID-19, Takalafia village was beneficiary of a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) behavior change campaign supported by Africa Partners Initiative e.V. (API) in Nigeria in collaboration with local partners: Community-Based Initiative for Growth and Sustainability (C-BIGS). The WASH project saw the community trained on proper hygiene and sanitation targeted at reducing the burden of preventable diseases through changing social behavior and building basic and well-managed sanitation systems. During the community mobilization and training, API coordinator Collins G. Adeyanju was on ground to provide support for the project at Takalafia village. “It is truly a humbling experience at Takalafia … a very indigent community, with no school, no proper sanitary system, no electricity, no health facility, but now residents have a borehole water system and positive perception of what such knowledge could do to their well-being”. API wishes to support this community at this difficult time with a donation of food items since all economic activities are grounded due to the lockdown imposed by the government to manage the spread of COVID-19 in the country. We wish to fundraise 2,000 EUR for the purchase of the food items to be donated to members of the Takalafia community and others.
API as an organisation has graciously contributed 400 EUR towards this targeted amount.
As at May 6, 2020, we have fundraised 1,180 Euros.
Donate now: Transfer your donations to below account.
The Africa Night Conference was initiated in line with African customary practice of “end of year stock-taking and thanksgiving”. End of year stock-taking or evaluation of actions and decisions, not just by individuals, but as a society, is an age-long tradition in the African culture: birthing the idea of agenda-setting for the incoming year. That is, besides the appraisal, it is usually an opportunity to set community development goals for the incoming year and prioritize obligations. It is in this light, that the maiden edition of Africa Gala Night program was conceived.
The goal of the event was to build a network of Africans in diaspora and collaborators for engagement on Africa development issues. It was expected to galvanize African scholars and professionals, African and German communities; not only to celebrate culture, diversity and social cohesion but to interact and present or share their opinion on a subject of significant mutual value, especially to Africa’s development. E.g. deepening democracy, addressing the Africa emigration problem, human rights, achieving sustainable development goals, addressing vaccine hesitancy, etc. The expected outcome is to increase the community of multipliers, inspired by Africans in the diaspora in partnership with friends of Africa.
The 2019 theme was: Addressing risk factors stimulating Africa-Europe Migration. The night provided a free atmosphere to participants who delved into the Africa-Europe migration problems and share ideas on why and how Africans in diaspora can play a role, in collaboration with the German government, friends, and organizations. The night’s highlight was the podium discussing relating to what can be done to stem the tide of Africa-Europe migration.
BACKGROUND
The second edition of Africa Night Conference took place at Victor’s Residenz-Hotel Erfurt – Häßlerstraße 17, 99086, Erfurt: on December 21, 2019. The program began at 17:00 and went on until 22:00. A total of 128 participants attended the conference (appendix 3). The attendee’s affiliation cut across different spectrum of endeavours, including attendants from the sector of academia, the private as well as the public sector, church, and from the African Community and German Community: University of Erfurt, Fachhochschule Erfurt, Bauhaus University Weimar, FSU Jena, Technical University Ilmenau, University of Würzburg, University of Ulm, University of Vienna, Hochschule Coburg, Fairafric GmbH, Sohay Solar Association Africa, Hilfe für Zanzibar, Kids Care Campus e.V., Platform e.V., Campana & Scott GmbH, Afrikanisch-Deutscher Verein für Kultur und Bildung e.V., Redeemed Christian Church, Research Awake Africa Initiative (RAAI), BA English Communication Training GmbH, BWTW e.V., Caritas Erfurt, etc.
Photo credit: Johanna Schümke
WELCOME ADDRESS
The welcome address was delivered by Frau Mirjam Kruppa, Beauftragte für Integration, Migration und Flüchtlinge in Thüringen. Her speech was centered around an introduction of her work, connecting with the goals of Africa Partners Initiative e.V (API). Furthermore, she announced a project for the year 2020 dealing with migration from Africa to Europe and highlighted she would like to cooperate with API in the near future.She complimented the initiative of organising such a conference and its theme; which seeks solution that goes beyond Germany. She promised the cooperation of her office to operationalise the outcome of the event. The commissioner provided the immeasurable depth of the issues and optimism for multi stakeholder approach as a prerequisite in addressing migratory concerns.
Photo credit: Johanna Schünke
INTRODUCTION AND AGENDA SETTING
The 2019 program and theme were officially introduced to the public. Mr. Collins Adeyanju gave a presentation on the goal of the Africa Night Conference project, why the Africa partners Initiative e.V. was established and the motivation behind focusing on the current designed framework for the region’s development through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized that the conference goal is to forge collective conversation about Africa and Africans’ “development issues”; especially, to provide a forum for not only sharing views inspired by network of Africans in diaspora and their host community of partners and friends, but also to galvanized and articulate intervention strategies or solutions to the challenges being discussed. But more importantly, using the solutions or outcomes generated from the conference to develop an evidence-based project, as a contribution arising from Africans in the diaspora and their host community of partners and friends. “The night is a preparation to discuss the sensitive subject of immense bi-national ramification and end with creating mutually collaborative synergy towards tackling 21st-century challenges, not only of Africa but amongst Africans and Germans in general. It is meant to share ideas on how Africans in the diaspora can play a role, in collaboration with German friends and organizations.”
“We are thrilled that we can build a structure (annual African Night Conference) that brings together Africans and Germans from all walks of life in Thüringen and other parts of Germany to Erfurt, to sit and discuss, socialize, engage, ask and answer, dance and share food, as a way to learn and foster deeper relations for the good of Africa, Africans, and friends of Africa”.
Photo credit: Johanna Schümke
Mr. Collins began his presentation by reminiscing on the last edition of the conference and the theme; which was “Promoting Positive behaviour for Vaccine Acceptance in Africa and Role of Africans in Diaspora” and the interests it generated; not only amongst Africans in Germany but amongst Germans and friends of Africa who have little or no insights into Africa and the challenges therein. Even more interesting is the ability of these friends of Africa to be able to contribute (non-monetarily or aid) to shaping views of what can be done collaboratively towards addressing the challenges the continent faces, but also Africans in Germany/abroad. Finally, the last year’s conference outcome is currently being developed into a project called “Africans to Africa Frank Talk”. A video, audio and animation campaign built on using an evidence-based study called “5C” on the psychological determinants of vaccine hesitancy from Prof. Dr. Cornelia Betsch. The participants were impressed that, the outcome of the conference is being transformed into concrete action or project to solve problems in the region. Also briefly touched about last year’s conference was the presentation of awards to some individuals and organizations who had supported Africa or Africans towards development. This was to recognize and show appreciation and at the same time encourage their efforts. Some of the recipients were; Spirit of Football e.V, Caritasverband für das Bistrum e.V., Springboard to Learning e.V, ANSOLE e.V, and others.
The core of Mr. Collins’ presentation focuses on the dilemma of Africa’s emigration problem. “who takes care of Africa if everyone leaves or how does Africa grow if no one returns or give back”. According to the African Union Revised Migration Policy Framework for Africa and Plan of Action (2018 – 2027), over 70,000 Africans emigrate abroad annually; and in 2017, 25 million sub-Saharan African migrants are living outside their home countries (PEW research). In fact, 81%, 78%, 48%, and 41% (Liberia, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde respectively) of professional nurses born and trained in Africa had emigrated. More problematic is the dwindling opportunity prospects; because Africa is the world’s youngest continent, 10 – 12 million young Africans joining the labour force each year. Yet the continent is able to create only about 3 million jobs annually. Despite this huge gap, we still believe solving these problems must be internal (inspired by Africans, with support from friends of Africa); which is why Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank said “The future of Africa’s youth does not lie in migration to Europe; it should not be at the bottom of the Mediterranean; it lies in a prosperous Africa. We must create greater economic opportunities for our youth right at home in Africa”. “This is a crisis on our hands. However, what can we do from here as Africans in the diaspora”? To begin addressing it, we need to look at the reasons briefly.
First, we must look at why Africans migrate to Europe, even through dangerous means e.g. the Mediterranean Sea. Africarecruit research shows below varying significant factors stimulating Africa-Europe migration; career and professional opportunities being the main driver.
Africarecruit, Commonwealth Business Council, United Kingdom, 2003
HOW DO WE ADDRESS IT?
The presentation highlighted a few logical explanations at the disposal of diaspora Africans; especially in Germany.
Remittance in strategic social ventures that have high multiplier effect
financial
expertise
Remittance-Financial seems the most popular one and widespread among Africans in diaspora. Unfortunately, there has not been an equal amount invested in Remittance-Expertise. For us at Africa Partners Initiative, our belief is that while financial remittance is good, what Africa needs to grow and discourage the illegal migration is more of skills transfer (creating opportunities for young people). It would be better received if it is facilitated by Africans in the diaspora, compared to the status quo, which of course revolves around foreign aid.
A closer look at the remittance-financial shows that Africans in the diaspora contribute more to the continent compared to the exaggerated foreign aid or even direct foreign investment to the continent. According to the World Bank 2017 data (see figure below), remittances form a tremendous proportion of the GDP of several countries. E.g. a quarter of the Liberian GDP (27%) is attributed to Liberians in the diaspora; Gambia – 21%, Lesotho – 16%, Nigeria 6%, and others. According to the 2019 Nigeria Economic Outlook from PWC, Nigerians in diaspora sent an estimated US$25 billion in remittance to the country in 2018, representing 6% of her GDP. This figure is equal to 83% of the Federal Government budget in 2018 and 11 times more than the foreign direct investment into the country during the same period. Similarly, the remittance was 7 times larger than the net official foreign aid received in 2017 (US$3.4 billion). This Invariably means, Nigerians in diaspora are the biggest investors or financiers of the country, besides internal revenue. The question is, how can these huge remittances be a channel to ventures or social endeavours that are reproducible?
World Bank, 2017
“In the contemporary global context in which African governments are dependent on Western financial institutions for the running of their economies, at the micro-level the economic survival and prosperity of families have become equally dependent on having family members in the Diaspora” (Akyeampong, 2000).
Mr. Collins, however, mentioned that his concern about the financial remittance is that it is usually not strategically invested or spent. I.e. are not spent on ventures or investments that reproduce the funds, rather on basic household consumptions. The figure below gives a vivid picture of the argument. Only 6% of the funds remitted to sub-Saharan Africa is a channel for investment purposes. Therefore, economic growth in the region cannot be self-sustaining despite the huge remittances. The presentation urged a change of mindset about remittance towards increasing the percentages on investment than the others.
Africarecruit, Commonwealth Business Council, United Kingdom, 2003
The second remittance (Remittance-Expertise) in his opinion, which is as equally powerful and more effective to drive development faster in Africa than the remittance-financial, especially if it’s not strategic as suggested above, is the Remittance of Expertise. That is African professionals in the diaspora (Germany) offering their expertise in the form of training and mentorship to young people/others in Africa. This will create expertise and skills that are either not available or contemporary, hence, create local opportunities. This can be done once or twice or as often as possible; hence the goal of the conference, which is about bringing people together on how this can be done and what the focus should be on. This is the vision of Africa Partners Initiative e.V. (API): “To serve as a platform for ideas and knowledge exchange for Africa’s development” is primarily based on this concept; in addition to collaborating with German friends, organizations and friends of Africa”.
The presentation ended with presenting the goal and strategic objectives of the initiative to the participants and seeking collaboration and partnership; at the same time highlighting the 2020 agenda. The goal of API is to serve as a platform for coordination of collaborative and mutually beneficial knowledge exchange between Africa and the rest of the world, towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda for Africa; particularly seven out of them namely: No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work & Economic Growth, Climate Action, Peace and Justice and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships to achieve the Goals.
Photo credit: Kirsten Wünsche
KEYNOTE SPEAKER’S ADDRESS
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Harald Dörig, Honorary professor at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena and Vice President of the European Section of the International Association of Asylum and Migration Judges. It was titled “Factors stimulating Africa-Europe Migration“. The address highlighted the significance of educating the populace about the misunderstanding surrounding perception of African migrants in Germany, vis-à-vis migrants from across other regions.
Photo credit: Johanna Schünke
PODIUM DISCUSSION
Panel
The podium discussion was the main highlight of the night. It comprised 5 panellists. The panellists are Prof. Dr. Harald Dörig[1], Dr. Wilfried Zoungrana[2], Aline Mugisho[3], Agboola Oni-Orisan[4] and Collins Adeyanju[5] (also as the moderator). The panel touched on questions/topic such as:
The fundamental drivers of migration from Africa to Europe
Why risks had minimal analysis during choices on illegal migration?
If psychological influence of perception of Europe by the communities a pull factor
If the ‘not seeing anything good in once’s society’ provide the basis for migration, even despite availability of local opportunities.
If foreign aid and politics of ‘giving people fish, not teaching them how to fish’ a significant vacuum that prevents critical thinking as solution-provider
How do we contribute meaningful solutions from the diaspora?
The panel was moderated by Collins Adeyanju and lasted for 30 minutes. This time was used to lay strong foundational arguments and evidence-based analysis on the theme of the night: identifying and addressing risk factors stimulating Africa-Europe migration. All of the above topics and more were covered. Consensus from the panel tailors towards using multidimensional approach, including involvement of Africans in diaspora and partners; who had never been involved before.
Photo credit: Johanna Schünke
Plenary/Q&A
The podium discussion lasted for 30 minutes and thereafter proceeded by the plenary. The plenary was designed to enable the engagement of the audience to, not only contribute to the topic of discussion, but also offer solutions. Participants of the conference were motivated to discuss issues related to risk factors inspiring migration between Africa and Europe and high participation in the plenary was present. It was highly appreciated that all the diversities represented during the night took part in the plenary discussion and contributed to the diverse of perspectives.
OUTCOME OF THE PROGRAM
Knowledge of Africans in diaspora and the German community was expanded on migration issues, especially as it affects Africa-Europe. There was a general consensus of the value of doing something, however little it may be and forming collaboration with friends of Africa and partners in Germany to achieve the goal. Some of the other outcomes are:
To work with African experts in Germany and Germans towards technology-based knowledge transfers.
To facilitate practical scientific exchange or medical equipment donations. E.g. giving tools or equipments that are no longer useful to companies or organizations and transfer them for use in schools or as public utilities in African communities.
The importance of investing in research ventures in Africa.
To vigorously support education, to curb the human trafficking that characterise migrants; especially among women.
To support social entrepreneurs in African communities. Investing in social entrepreneurs will accelerate grassroot mobilization of resources and idea for solutions, thereby transforming them into profitable ventures for the common good of the society.
Fight corruption and promote good governance at levels of African society
Foreign partners must invest in skills building and small-scale enterprises back in Africa, especially for women, rather than foreign aid to governments.
Africans in diaspora should add its voices to the clarion call to give Africa back its market. The saturation of the local markets with local substitute goods, at far cheaper prices is disadvantageous to the local economy and livelihood of people.
Finally, scholars and experts or professionals of African origin in diaspora should consider returning home to contribute their gained knowledge to progress of the continent
A cloud-based polling tool – “Mentimeter” was used to engage the plenary to measure participants’ personal understandings and views of factors driving migration between Africa and Europe: Attendants answered questions displayed on screen in the hall, which were accessible via logging in to an online survey tool. The results of the polls were shown directly on the screen, which also had an entertaining aspect. The focus of this method was enabling participants to voice their personal opinion and experience regarding topics of the evening as well as sociodemographic information (e.g. “What do you personally consider factors stimulating migration?” or “Which nationality do you identify with?”).
Example of slide used during the Live Online Survey
For more results of the “Mentimeter” survey, please see appendix 2.
DINNER
The participants were offered dinner, of both African and German dishes. They were introduced to exquisite varieties of African dishes, and also German and vegetarian/vegan alike. Although mainly African dishes, but because of the diversity of guests, varieties were incorporated to give them choices and also a semblance of Africa-European convergence.
Photo credit: Johanna Schünke
REMARK FROM JOSÉ MANUEL PACA
Mr. José Paca is a member of the Ausländerbeirat of the City of Erfurt as well as Vice President of the Federal Migration and Integration Council. He gave a 15 minutes talk on addressing and empowering Africans living in the Europe and Germany, but precisely Africans in the Federal State of Thüringen.
Photo credit: Kirsten Wünsche
VOTE OF THANKS
Pastor Michael Sia gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the Africa Partners Initiative e.V. (API) and the organizing team. The night ended with dance to African music and tunes.
POST-EVENT EVALUATION
Participant’s opinion was sorted on various aspects of the program and their feedback was obtained. A paper survey was designed, and participants filled in forms that they were given when entering the venue. This survey contained question on how attendants learned about the event, how they evaluated the registration process, the topic of the evening, Keynote Speech and Podium Discussion, venue, food, and which professional sector or which community (African / German / other) they would assign themselves to.
For the results of the evaluation, please see appendix 1.
WAY FORWARD/LESSONS LEANT
There is a general consensus that, the Africa Gala Night should be sustained.
There is a need to plan and fundraise for the next Africa Gala Night event, much in advance.
There is a need to hire 2 paid project assistants, 50 hours each and funded from the program budget; to manage and coordinate the financial and administrative tasks.
ORGANIZING TEAM
Collins Adeyanju, Kirsten Wünsche, Grigoriy “Grisha” Grigoryev, Dr. Muyiwa Alalade, Dr. Olivia Ugokwe-Akande, Adenike Alare, Gbolade Willoughby, Pastor Michael Sia, Sandy Arnold, Lena Rudolf, Andrew Kisekka, Stephen Tete Mantey, Samuel Okpara and Benjamin Anthony.
[1] Prof. Dr. Harald Dörig has been a judge at the German Supreme Court in Leipzig from 2000 to 2018, where he was primarily responsible for immigration and refugee law. He holds a “Doctor of Law” in Constitutional and Comparative Law at the University of Frankfurt am Main (Germany). He was appointed as “Professor of Law” at the Law Faculty of FSU Jena (Germany), where he teaches on European Human Rights. He is the Vice President of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges –European Chapter (IARMJ).
[2] Dr. Wilfried Zoungrana holds a master’s degree and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Erfurt. His doctoral thesis was published in two volumes: Method as Theory: Lakatos, Methodology, and Interpretive International Relations (wvb 2017) and Knowledge at War: Epistemology and Terrorism in IR Theory (wvb 2017). His latest publication is No Country for Migrants? Critical Perspectives on Asylum, Immigration, and Integration in Germany (Brill, 2019).
[3] Aline Mugisho is a Doctoral candidate at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt, Germany. Her current research explores informal strategies developed by women for protection and how these forms their resiliency in times of conflict. She previously worked on various research projects at the University of Witwatersrand (African Centre for Migration and Society) such as Migrating for Work Research Consortium (MiWORC) and Regional Perspectives on Local Governance of Migration, Migrant’s Needs and Vulnerability and Migrant Integration and Social Cohesion Research Project. She holds a master’s degree in Forced Migration Studies and bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication (ISA).
[4] Agboola Oni-Orisan: He Studied at the University of Ilorin and University of Lagos in Civil Engineering (B. Engr.) and Master of Business Administration (MBA Finance) respectively. He previously worked as a banker in Lagos, Nigeria. He a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God since 1991. He facilitated the establishment of the congregation in Cologne, Erfurt and Leipzig. Currently he works as a Network Planner for DHL in Leipzig Airport. He is a motivational speaker and an International facilitator at Seminars and Conventions especially the Leipzig Leadership Summit in Leipzig.
[5] Collins Adeyanju is a lecturer at the department of media and communication science and doctoral candidate at the Centre for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioural Sciences (CEREB), University of Erfurt. He holds Bachelor and master’s degrees in international Relations; and holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt. Mr. Adeyanju previously worked for both the national and international development donor organizations such as: Global Fund, Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation, USAID projects, WHO, AMP, GIZ and Christian Aid UK.
Empowerment becomes difficult without basic education. We must educate the children, especially the vulnerable once in sub-Sahara Africa (girls) in order to prepare and make them receptive to skills and capacity acquisition, relevant to their self-sustainance and empowerment in future. “All children, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, have the right to quality education” UNICEF. At API, we see “out of school menace” as not only a public health crisis, in terms of the consequences for girls, but undercuts the prerequisite for knowledge-based impactation in the society.
According to Human Right Watch, more than 49 million girls are out of schools in sub-Sahara Africa, with 31 million of them out of secondary education, undermining their rights and limiting their opportunities, in an already disadvantaged environment. The outputs are usually early marriages and teenage pregnancy. In sub-Saharan Africa, 40 percent of girls marry before age 18, and constitute half of the countries with the highest rates of child marriages globally. In recent review of adolescent pregnancy globally by UNFPA (2013), 14 sub-Sahara African countries, between 30 and 51 percent of girls give birth before they are 18. Cultural or religious beliefs often stigmatise unmarried, pregnant girls, with the result that many pregnant girls are forced into early marriages.
Unfortunately, the right approach has failed most African countries, as many governments insist on tackling this social and public health challenge by punishing girls, thereby jeopardising their future. Instead, the focus should be on preventing girls from unintended pregnancies by promoting their efforts to stay in school. The best approach to address these dehumanisations, is via education, especially for girl-child, and focused primarily among socio-economically disadvantage population.
Therefore, the goal of this project is to promote basic child education, especially of girl-children who are the most vulnerable. The objective is to promote a sponsor for each child in school, through payment of their tuition fees and school reading materials ONLY. The sponsors can eventually become mentors to the child (ren) they support, IF INTERESTED. Our sponsored kids are vetted and in most cases recommendation from our local partners in communities across the region. They are vulnerable kids, i.e. parents are very poor; lost a parent to HIV/AIDS or chronic disease; orphans; kids whose parents are suffering from drug abuse, mental health problems and general situation that could impact their stay in school.
Your tax-deductible donation can help put or sustain a child in school and give him/her a future. We have many kids waiting for sponsors. If you are touched to sponsor a child in school, kindly send an email to us. Here below are our current engagements:
Name: Amina Adamu School: Kapuwa Primary School, Lugbe Federal Housing, Abuja Country: Nigeria. Grade/Class: Primary 2 Age: 12 years old Tuition fee: comprising the three terms of the school-year = 20,000 Naira (50 EUR) Other Needs (books and uniform): N10,000 (25 EUR) Sponsor(optional):
Name: Israel Aleru School: Grade/Class: Age: Tuition fee: Other Needs (books and uniform): Sponsor(optional):
Goal: To strengthen partnership for public health evidence-based research and intervention upon which improve public health decision-making and practices are achieved.
Preventive measure are vital – they eliminate the possibility of or prevent disease, save millions of live and at the same time reduces, if not eliminate out of pocket expenses associated with healthcare costs. But vaccine preventable diseases and infections like malaria and typhoid still kill millions of people each year. And emerging diseases, such as Ebola and Lassa fever, have brought several countries in the sub-Saharan Africa to its epidemic knees. The world urgently needs to join hands to fight and develop effective strategies to address these challenges.
Strategic Objectives
One of the goals and objectives of the public health intervention and research agenda is to address priority health issues, not limited only to suitable capacities;
To strengthen public health research capacity and the use for developing evidence-based intervention in Africa and in partnership with academic and research institutions across the world;
To promote collaboration and coordination among existing networks to conduct research on public health priority issues across the Africa region;
To assess effectiveness of existing public health interventions on health conditions that have been prioritised by the health policy instruments in the region;
To support research on surveillance methodologies and quality interventions;
To use evidence-based research to design public health intervention projects
Am vergangenen Freitag, 23.08.2019, fand nach eingehender Vorarbeit und unter Begleitung von ThEx Enterprise die Gründungsversammlung des Vereins „Africa Partners Initiative e.V.“ im Thüringer Zentrum für Existenzgründungen und Unternehmertum statt.
Im Fokus der Vereinsarbeit steht insbesondere die Förderung der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit zwischen Afrika und Deutschland beziehungsweise Europa. Verwirklicht werden soll dieser Vereinszweck insbesondere durch die Entwicklung von Ansätzen und indigenen Mechanismen zur Konfliktlösung und Deradikalisierung in Afrika und deren Implementierung. Weiterhin möchte der Verein mit seinen ehrenamtlichen Mitgliedern verschiedener nationaler Herkunft ein Netzwerk für unternehmerische Initiativen zwischen Deutschen und Afrikanern aufbauen und fördern.
Die Vision des Vereins ist es, einen Teil dazu beizutragen, die proklamierten Ziele der Vereinten Nationen für nachhaltige Entwicklung (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs) in Afrika bis 2030 zu verwirklichen.
Das Team von ThEx Enterprise wünscht für die kommende Vereinsarbeit viel Erfolg und Durchhaltevermögen!
Technical Capacity Building and Training are ground-zero of our program intervention strategy, to facilitate knowledge exchanges or transfer or sharing between Germans and Africa stakeholders in different fields of expertise: such as medicine, farming, small and medium scale entrepreneurship, construction, automobile, public health, telecommunication, services industry, climate change, sustainable energy (e.g. electricity), market systems, etc. To actualise these, we develop and involve a wide range of approaches, such as:
Using specialist,mentors, academics, consultants, etc.to provide targeted, shortand long-term empowerment knowledge transfer to specific groups within identified population in Africa or Germany, suffering fromcapacity gap;
Develop and run training programmes on a particular knowledge gap, related to the goal of API; that have the potential for multiplier effect in society: e.g. digitalization competencies skill transfer to young people to enhance their employability and self-sufficiency; apprenticeship, etc.
On-the-job coaching using programme facilitators to enhance new initiative and innovations for solving simple and complex 21stcentury challenges
Build network among German and African business entrepreneurs, within same family in order to expand learning and innovative habits, necessary for mutual success and trade relations
Technical capacity building in form of non-traditional forms of coaching – experiential learning
Introduction of innovative behaviour change tools
WHY IS THIS A CORNER-STONE FOR API?
Sustainable Development Goal Target 17.9 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the dedicated target to capacity- building and aims to
“Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the sustainable development goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation”. Within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, capacity-building is also mentioned by target 17.8 in the context of ensuring full operationalization of the “technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for least developed countries”.
Equally embedded in the SDGs for 2030 and Africa Partner Initiative agenda is the means required for implementation of this particular targets, which includes: the mobilization of financial resources as well as capacity-building and the transfer to Africa, an environmentally sound technologies and knowledge on mutually favourable terms. This will in turn, not only facilitate capacity-building for sustainable development, but the strengthening of technical and scientific cooperation between African and German population.
