Exchange students off to Germany

Representatives of the Association of German School Societies in Namibia (AGDS) and Mrs Jana Wall from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany bid farewell to a group of 27 Namibian pupils from different schools, which will embark on a two month exchange visit to Germany. The AGDS, together with the Association for German Cultural Relations Abroad (VDA), has been organising a 10-12 weeks stay for Namibian youth in Germany for many years. The 27 students (who all have German as a subject in school) will be accommodated in host families and attend the school of the partner child for the duration of the stay. A
s ambassadors of Namibia, these youths provide a not to be underestimated contribution to the overcoming of mutual prejudices and to the strengthening of German- Namibian friendship.
Wall wished the young ‘Namibian Ambassadors’ an exciting and interesting stay in Germany. She said, “This however is a two-way street. Not only will you learn about life in Germany. In going to Germany you will also become ambassadors of your culture and your host families too will be eager to learn about Namibia. Tell them about this beautiful country and your life here.”
From June to September 2015, the students will receive in return a guest child from Germany, in order to get to know Namibia and its people.

The student exchange has been financially and logistically supported by the German Embassy for many years. For this year’s student exchange, Mrs Wall handed the AGDS a cheque to the tune of N$78,000. This supports the participation of youths whose parents are not able to financially support them.