On the final day of the program, participants spent time reflecting on the 2-week learning journey they have been through. They highlighted the key insights they learned, critical moments and experiences, and the new connections they have developed among themselves and with new people and institutions. Using the TV show format, where both participants and co-facilitators played roles of hosts and guests of the show, we interviewed each other. This format helped to facilitate a deeper reflection that uncovered things that went well and areas of improvements. Furthermore, participants completed anonymous surveys where they filled feedback forms to share anonymous responses to a set of evaluation questions. It was an emotional day filled with lots of joy and sincere connections.
In the evening, Tanzanian participants prepared a delightful blend of Swahili cuisine and invited German participants and others they had met during their two-week stay in Hamburg. Together, they commemorated their remarkable two-week success in Hamburg.
Way Forward
After a successful completion of the first phase of the exchange program in Hamburg, plans are now underway for realizing the second phase in Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam phase is planned to take place in the fall of 2025, bringing ten participants from Hamburg to reconnect with their peers in Dar es Salaam city. Furthermore, all participants have resolved to remain in-touch for continuous learning and mutual support through periodic meetings. In Dar es Salaam, participants resolved to begin implementation of some collective projects designed to raise awareness on gender roles, women rights, empowering young people, promoting inner-city sustainability and contributing to the strengthening of the Dar es Salaam – Hamburg partnerships.
