The year 2025 starts with reflection, community and planning for the next six months for our Weltwärts volunteers in South Africa! At the beginning of January, PLAY HANDBALL successfully organised and led the Weltwärts mid-term seminar, not only for our five PLAY HANDBALL and Kultur-Life volunteers, but also for another 14 volunteers from other sending organisations and projects from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. From 13 to 17 January, 19 young women and men came together in Kleinmond to exchange experiences and learn from each other. The seminar was more than just a meeting – it was an opportunity to pause, reflect and grow together. Here is a little insight into the experience of our volunteer Laurids:

“The organisers Nicola and Sim not only created a space for open discussions on topics such as cultural integration and challenges in the project, but also an atmosphere in which unforgettable moments and new friendships could develop.

The atmosphere allowed for honest conversations and room for emotions. Despite our different backgrounds, we quickly bonded as participants, worked as a team and shared our personal experiences intensively. For each individual, the seminar was also a chance to calm down, reflect on the past weeks and months and take away valuable insights for the future. Everyone went into the second half of their voluntary service with new energy and inspiration.

After long seminar hours and intensive discussions, there was also time to relax. A dip in the nearby pool during the lunch break provided a welcome cool-down in the South African temperatures. The evenings were sociable: we cooked and ate together and talked and laughed into the night.

On Friday, the seminar was over for most of the volunteers. We PLAY HANDBALL volunteers stayed for another day and used the time to discuss upcoming tournaments and events for the year. We also received new input on how children and young people can be sensitised to dealing with waste in a playful way. Of course, we also shared in the excitement when Germany won another victory at the Handball World Cup. South Africa’s participation is already being planned and won’t be long in coming! We are working on it :). 

A big thank you to Sim and Nicola for a fantastic week and all the valuable ideas! And to all the volunteers who took part – your passion, positive attitude and perspectives made this week unforgettable!”

Laurids