AKI participated in the 101st Agricultural Main Festival (LWH) 2022 in Stuttgart. The LWH is an important agricultural fair in Baden-Württemberg, which takes place every four years. Agricultural machinery, animals and regional products are presented there, and current agricultural topics are discussed.  AKI was represented there from 25.09. to 03.10.2022 with its own stand.

Stage program at LWH 2022 with Minister Hauk on engagement in Africa

On September 29, AKI had a program highlight at the stage program of LWH 2022 together with Peter Hauk, Minister of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg (MLR), where the project "Establishment of an Agri-Social Education and Training Center in Gitega, Burundi" was presented. First, Falk Kullen, Managing Director of AKI, gave a brief introduction of the project. Then, the project manager Teklezghi Teklebrhan presented the significant milestones and progress of the project so far. Mr. Hans-Benno Wichert, Chairman of AKI, emphasized the importance of the cooperation between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi and thanked the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg on behalf of AKI for the financial support. Minister Hauk emphasized the importance of education as the key to self-reliance and independence. A partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Burundi has existed since the 1980s and a wide variety of local projects are supported.

Further, an insight into the AKI traineeship program with Kenya, the first with an African country after more than 30 years of AKI traineeship programs was given.  Falk Kullen, Mr. Hans-Benno Wichert and Teklezghi Teklebrhan, as well as two invited trainees and their host families presented the trainee program. The invited farms explained personal motivations why they and their families participate in the AKI traineeship programs. They also shared their most formative experiences, such as cultural exchanges and mutual learning. The invited trainees explained what motivated them to apply for the trainee program. Finally, the two trainees shared their special experiences during the program.

The Minister concluded the program with the words: "We care what happens in other countries, if everyone gives a little of what they have and shares it with others, the world will be a little better."

Presentation of the AKI Traineeship Programs at the LWH Midday magazine (LWH-Mittagsmagazin).

In conversation with the moderator Melanie Britz, Falk Kullen had the opportunity almost daily to present AKI as an organization and its AKI trainee programs at the LBVMidday magazine. Here, the importance of the Internship Programs in the context of development policy was also emphasized. "The aim of these programs is to promote agriculture in our partner countries through practical training of young trainees and at the same time to strengthen international relationships," explained Falk Kullen. He continued, "The programs include partly theoretical learning units such as field trips, but above all practical applications of what has been learned, where the trainees can apply their knowledge on farms under the guidance of their host families. In this way, AKI's programs contribute to the sustainable development of the partner countries. But also, the personal experiences and relationships, which are made during this time not only between the trainees and their host families but usually their entire environment, promote intercultural dialogue and create a cultural added value for all participants."