Ansbach – Two hours of varied program, a packed Staatsbibliothek, and over 750 euros in spontaneous donations – the latest event by Ansbach für Malawi has an impressive record to show. Twelve students and professionals from ten African countries had accepted the association’s invitation to give the people of Ansbach an authentic picture of their home countries. They are currently taking part in a continuing education program at the Fachhochschule Triesdorf and are therefore spending several months in Germany.

“We often picture Africa as a ‘lost continent’ – but that is not true!” said initiator Stefan Schwarz as he opened the evening. The speakers would make this clear over the course of the evening. The German guests experienced a journey through the geography, culture, and history of the various countries. Under the title “Africa – Our Story,” Mlenga Vinjeru from Malawi finally addressed the continent’s social and economic problems. She made one thing clear: even though disadvantaged regions are grateful for support, civil society on the ground is far from idle. She presented several nonprofit organizations that work in areas such as education and entrepreneurship, equipping young people with useful know-how so they can improve their situation themselves.

Alongside an entertaining auction of African jewelry and a tasting of the Malawi craft beer brewed by the association, the evening also offered opportunities for intercultural exchange. The guests struck up lively conversations with interested Ansbach residents. In the end, prejudices were dispelled as well, as one speaker commented in closing: “Before I came to Germany, I thought people here would be cold and unfriendly – now I know that is not the case at all!”