On October 27, 2023, the team of AgrarKontakte International (AKI) e.V. and this year's host families gathered at DEULA in Kirchheim unter Teck for a moving and festive farewell ceremony for this year's trainees from Ukraine and Kenya who completed the 6-month agricultural traineeship. The event was also attended by representatives of the partner organizations from both countries, who had travelled from far to attend.

The farewell ceremonies for the trainees from Ukraine and Kenya took place one after another in the morning and in the afternoon. Both events were moderated by AKI Managing Director, Falk Kullen. Several guests of honor gave welcoming speeches. These included the Deputy Chairman of AKI, Mr. Siegfried Schwab, Dr. Konrad Rühl, Head of the Agriculture Department, from the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg, Ms. Lesya Shcherbakova, the coordinator of the traineeship program, from the Scientific and Methodological Center for Higher and Secondary Vocational Education from Ukraine and Mr. Joseph Mugo Mutuku, Head of the Research and Cooperation Department of Bukura Agricultural College (BAC) from Kenya. Also present was Mr. Horst Wenk, deputy managing director of the State Farmers' Association in Baden-Württemberg e.V. (LBV) and AKI board member, as well as Mr. Karl Müller, also an AKI board member, who has been participating in the traineeship program with his family for over 20 years.

The highlight of both events was the awarding of certificates to the successful graduates. Afterwards, the best trainees were honored for their outstanding performance on the host farm and in keeping their report booklets.

The celebrations continued as trainees (Pavlo Kuriachyi, Nadiya Yakhno, Nataliia Zakharchenko, Diana Wambui Wanjohi, Isaac Omollo Khaminwa) and representatives of the host families (Alexander Heindel, Jens Probst, Jens Scheuermann) presented their reviews of the traineeship 2023, reflecting the progress and experiences of the students and farmers:

"I learned a lot about cows, nutrition, diseases and how to treat them. Before, I only saw all this in textbooks when I was sitting in class at lectures. I am very grateful to my host family", - Ukrainian trainee Pavlo Kuriachyi from the host farm Renner.

"In addition to the work, I also had the opportunity to get to know the German culture and their way of life. I am also grateful for the many encounters I have had with wonderful people here in Germany. These intercultural experiences have broadened my horizons and inspired me to appreciate but also question my own cultural roots", - Kenyan trainee Diana Wambui Wanjohi from the host farm Hölz.

"Some of you ("trainees") have worked hard and taken back impressions that will accompany you on your future path in life. You can be proud of yourselves for having gone all the way to the end and will now hold the reward for your efforts in your hands", - host farm manager Jens Scheuermann.

After the program, which ended with group photos, everyone gathered for lunch or dinner to end the official farewell together.

The farewell to the trainees from Ukraine and Kenya was a moving and meaningful event that recognized the hard work and dedication of the students and host families. It was a proud moment for all involved, and the memories of this day will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of the AKI trainees and their host families for a long time to come.