THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Africa will be the focus at this year’s Citizens’ Festival of the German President taking place in September. Kenya’s Ambassador Stella Mokaya Orina and Dr Sylvie Nantcha, Chairperson of TANG, are calling on Africans in Germany to turn out in large numbers at the event
The Citizens’ Festival of the German President (Bürgerfest des Bundespräsidenten) is held annually over two days in September at Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the German President in Berlin.
The event, which attracts thousands of visitors, honours citizens who do voluntary work in sports clubs, environmental organizations, cultural projects, schools, care homes and local councils. The festival therefore provides a forum for initiatives, organizations and companies to present their voluntary work and share experiences and ideas. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the residence, including the park and the official and representation rooms.
This year’s Citizen Festival, holding on 13-14 September, places a special focus on Africa. For the first time, a non-European country is the international partner of the festival: the Republic of Kenya, whose President William Samoei Ruto will attend.
The motto for the 2024 Bürgerfest, “Pamoja – Stronger Together”, highlights the broad societal engagement of non-profit organizations, initiatives and companies and will celebrate cultural diversity and the longstanding relationship between Germany and Kenya. The partner federal state this year is Lower Saxony.
Kenya will have stands in the presidential garden to offer information about the country to visitors, who will have the opportunity to learn about the diversity of the country and Africa, and meet distinguished personalities.
The African Network of Germany (TANG), representing more than 900 associations and individuals, will showcase the diverse volunteering efforts of people with African roots in Germany at their stand, with the presence of the TANG anniversary award winners. These individuals demonstrate the long-standing connection between Germany and Africa, which continues to be shaped by dedicated people.
Under the motto ‘Diversity of Engagement,’ TANG will highlight outstanding Africans contributing to Germany and their home countries.
“This is a rare opportunity for us to make the engagement of people with African roots visible,” said Dr Sylvie Nantcha, Federal Chairperson of TANG. “We must use this occasion to present our community members who help shape society in a positive light,” she added.
While the focus is on initiatives, organizations, and companies presenting their voluntary work, there will also be a children’s and youth program, live music, theatre performances, discussion rounds, sporting activities, and tours of Bellevue Palace.
Dr Sylvie Nantcha and HE Stella Mokaya Orina, Kenya’s Ambassador to Kenya, urge people with African roots in Germany to attend the event on 14 September with their families and children (attendance on 13 September is by invitation only). Admission is free, but registration is required for security reasons.
“We want to show that we belong to this country by appearing in large numbers,” said Dr Nantcha.
Attendance on 13 September is by only invitation while 14 September is open to the public. However, to attend, you have to book a ticket online. Get a ticket to attend the festival at the following LINK
Bürgerfest im Schloss Bellevue 2024
Date: 14 September 2024
Time: 11 am – 7 pm
Location: Schloss Bellevue, Berlin
