Meetings of KAAD network in Guatemala

The focus of the trip of our Head of the Latin America Department, Dr Thomas Krüggeler, was his attendance at an event on the challenges of socio-educational work in Guatemala and Central America.

KAAD alumnae Melissa Angélica Lemus García and Dr Leonor Lucia González Quiñónez , who were instrumental in setting up the degree programme, had prepared workshops in which the participants addressed questions such as: What are the biggest social challenges in my work environment? What should our (personal/institutional) commitment as a member of the international KAAD network consist of?

For many participants, the seminar meant their first direct contact with the KAAD community in Guatemala and a representative of the Bonn office. The event therefore also served the purpose of expanding the KAAD network and intensifying its ties. As the graduates complete the course while working, they apply the programme's content directly in their areas of work. The third cohort of students will begin their studies in January 2024.).

The programme of the official visit also included a meeting with alumnae and alumni who have completed Master's and doctoral studies in Germany in the past years. During a dinner meeting, ten of these alumni reported on their diverse professional activities at universities, in public administration or in the private sector. The alumnae and alumni have established themselves well professionally after sometimes difficult beginnings.).

Towards the end of his stay, Thomas Krüggeler had the opportunity to talk to the Rector of the URL, Fr Miquel Cortés Bofill SJ , who is an important partner of KAAD because, as President of the Guatemala Partner Committee, he directs the fate of our work in Central America . That is why he is just as interested in the Master's course in Social Pedagogy as he is in our efforts to support students from Guatemala during their studies in Germany.

The visit from 8 to 15 November 2023 took place at a time of great political uncertainty in Guatemala, as the country's internationally largely discredited government is leaving no stone unturned to prevent the inauguration of the elected president, César Bernardo Arévalo de León , at the beginning of next year. KAAD alumni and representatives of the URL also took part in peaceful protests against the government.

Alumnae and alumni of the Master's course in Social Pedagogy during the meeting.

New scholarship holders presenting their scholarship contracts.