From 20th to 22nd of September 2021, the second excursion of the trainees from Kenya took place in Bavaria this time in presence. The trainees, who undertake their traineeship in different regions of southern Germany, were able to learn more about German agriculture as well as culture and German geography. All trainees were either fully vaccinated or tested for Corona every day.

Day 1: Visit to the cattle insemination cooperative Memmingen eG on September 20

Dr. Manuela Günther, the station veterinarian, welcomed the trainees to the Cattle Insemination Cooperative Memmingen eG and gave them a tour through the station. Afterwards, the station veterinarian gave a lecture about the history of the cooperative, insemination and quality control.  Before leaving for the next excursion target in Munich, the whole group was invited for dinner by the cooperative. The visit was accompanied by the journalist Mr. Franz Kustermann, journalist of the Memminger Newsletter.

Day 2: Tour in Munich on September 21

Early in the morning, the trainees visited the German Museum, the largest science and technology museum in the world. At the museum, the young trainees were able to learn more about a wide variety of topics in natural sciences. Afterwards, there was time for a walk in the English Garden, as well as to the Prinzregentenstraße bridge with the impressive Eisbach surfers. Then, all lead to the BMW World Museum. As there are some soccer fans among the Kenyan trainees, the next program was to visit the Allianz Arena, which was a highlight for many of the trainees.

Day 3: Visit to the open-air museum in Gleitleiten on September 22

Mrs. Angelika Eberl from the BBV-Landfrauen Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (Project Manager Kenya) welcomed the trainees in the open-air museum in Gleitleiten. There, Ms. Eberl presented the history of BBV, the rural women association and gave an insight about the BBV project in Kenya. Afterwards, the participants were guided through the open-air museum, where they got an insight into the former life of the people in the region.

AKI's project manager Mr. Teklezghi Teklebrhan and AKI's project assistant Ms. Anastasiia Fomina accompanied the trainees during the excursion and drew a positive balance at the end: "The trainees were all very motivated, interested and disciplined".

What was the impression of our trainees after the excursion?

"I was very excited about the field trip, it was really a lot of fun and enjoyable, especially since most of us hadn't seen each other for months and had the opportunity to see different places in Germany such as the German Museum, BMW World, Allianz Arena and other places for the first time. The first glimpse of the German traffic system gave me the impression that one has to be disciplined in following the traffic rules. Moreover, despite the populated city of Munich and the busy public traffic, I was absolutely fascinated by the means of transportation such as buses and trains, which are a very convenient way to travel. The excursion was really wonderful and an unforgettable experience. Many thanks to Mr. Teklezghi Teklebrhan and Anastasia Fomina from AKI, have made sure that we had the best excursion that we will not forget in our life" – Gladys Bowen trainee at milk production farm

"This is one of the most remarkable excursions in life, as we experienced both educational and recreational moments together which will remain remarkable in our memories. I personally enjoyed the trips from my host city Bad Waldsee to Memmingen to Munich and back. I am very grateful to AgrarKontakte International (AKI) for allowing us as young farmers to have such an experience." - Isarel Mutiso Kivuva trainee at pig farming farm

"I had a very nice and interesting field trip. It was so nice to meet my fellow students again after some months. I was able to share experiences with them, motivate each other and visit completely different places together. Thank you, AKI management, Teklezghi Teklebrhan and Mrs. Anastasiia Fomina, for making sure that everything went perfectly. Be blessed"- Kevin Ikonya trainee at  vegetable growing farm