On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 23 Ukrainian trainees from AgrarKontakte International (AKI) e.V. were given a ceremonial farewell at Bernhäuser Forst in Filderstadt. Over the past six months, the young agricultural students were able to gain valuable experience on the farms of their host families in southern Germany and successfully complete their traineeships.

The meeting began with a joint lunch. In an informal atmosphere, the host families and trainees had the opportunity to exchange experiences of the past months. The official part of the event was then moderated by AKI Managing Director, Falk Kullen. The farewell ceremony was opened by the deputy AKI board member, Mr. Siegrid Schwab, with a welcoming speech. This was followed by words of welcome from State Secretary Sabine Kurtz MdL from the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection (MLR), and the coordinator of the Scientific and Methodological Center for Higher and Vocational Education of Ukraine (WMZ VFPO), Ms. Lesia Shcherbakova. The speakers paid tribute to the commitment of the host families and the trainees, who during their time on the farms, besides the practical training of the trainees, also gained valuable personal experiences together. Both sides make a significant contribution to German-Ukrainian exchange through their participation in the AKI traineeship program.

A special highlight of the event was the ceremonial awarding of certificates to the trainees. Each of the 23 trainees received a certificate confirming the successful completion of their traineeship and providing a valuable foundation for their future careers. In addition, the best trainees were honored with awards for their outstanding commitment - an award that highlighted their high motivation and dedication in writing their report books and working on the farm. Afterwards, two trainees and two farms gave a review of their experiences and cooperation during their time together.

At the end of the farewell ceremony, everyone gathered for a group photo, which will serve as a reminder of an intensive, instructive and unifying time. A few minutes later, the trainees said goodbye to their host families and headed home to Ukraine by bus.

The farewell to the trainees was therefore not only a symbolic ending, but also an emotional highlight that valued the shared experiences and cultural exchange.