About us
With these few words our journey through East Africa began in the summer of 2016 – through the DR Congo, Uganda and Kenya. Along the way we met many dedicated people and visited schools where teachers and pupils work hard despite difficult conditions.
These encounters inspired us to found our non-profit association. Together with local partners we help people to help themselves and support school and education projects as well as the development of sustainable community structures.
Since 2017 we have been implementing our projects directly on the ground, including the personal distribution of school and learning materials. Our experience shows: even with limited resources, a lot can be achieved.
Our work is based on voluntary commitment, personal initiative and the support of many like-minded people.
How it all began
This photo was taken during the visit to the I.S.T.D. in Kalehe. It all came about through a chance encounter: Innocent Balagizi (2nd from left), lecturer in botany and author of a unique book on the flora of South Kivu, approached us in Kalehe. He had lived in Germany for 15 years and returned because he can only bring about real change in his country on the ground – he was the spark for everything that followed.
Also in the picture: Dr Bertin Buzigire Mufanzara (2nd from right), General Director of the I.S.T.D. since 2017. With his assertiveness, his persistence and his talent for building networks, he is the driving force on site – without him and his team spirit, the project would not be running.
On the far right: Alexander, part of the institute from the very beginning. When he had to flee the mountains with his family from armed groups, Bertin gave him not only work but also a new home in Kalehe – today everyone there knows him, and he is firmly part of the community.
“Success is when encounters with other people first turn into partners and then into friends”
We are
Co-founder and Board Member
Volunteers
Behind every project there are numerous volunteers who contribute their time, their skills and their passion – from the Erzgebirge region and far beyond. Whether at action weekends, in the workshop or quietly behind the scenes: their commitment is what makes our work possible in the first place. For this we say a heartfelt thank you!
At joint action weekends, many hard-working hands professionally recondition up to 300 donated sewing machines every year.
Volunteers collect, sort and pack donations in kind – from school supplies to tools – and prepare them for transport to the Congo.
Craftsmanship is needed everywhere: reconditioning machines, building the sewing machine stands and preparing the transports.
Whether lectures, benefit concerts or festivals – many dedicated people support the organisation and public relations, and lend a hand wherever one is needed.
Would you like to lend a hand yourself? We are happy about every helping hand – simply get in touch with us.
