“We have come to stay.” – With these words, Volker Falch, managing director of bbw gGmbH, sums up his delight at the new international location.
The project office in the “Bayerisches Haus” is run by the HOPE Foundation, founded by Pastor Stefan Hippler. It serves to promote networking and project development with the Western Cape government and local companies. Workshops and seminars on educational projects are held there.
"Our mission and goal is to provide regional and international companies with well-trained specialists in order to ensure economic growth and success. Practical and labor market-oriented training based on the German model is the best choice here. This enables us to create excellent income opportunities for young people. Economic growth and social peace are two sides of the same coin," emphasizes Falch.
The opening took place during the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Bavaria and the Western Cape. In addition to Minister President Söder, other high-ranking guests attended, including Bavarian Minister of State for Federal Affairs and Media Dr. Florian Herrmann, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Agriculture Ivan Meyer, and German Ambassador Andreas Peschke.
The 12th Regional Leaders' Summit took place at the same time. Every two years, representatives from seven leading regions around the world meet: Western Cape (South Africa), São Paulo (Brazil), Georgia (USA), Shandong (China), Upper Austria (Austria), Québec (Canada), and Bavaria (Germany). Working groups developed goals, activities, and future collaborations. bbw International led the “Future Skills” working group for Bavaria.
A joint final declaration set out the agreed priorities: the development of digital skills, a stronger practical focus in vocational training, the integration of disadvantaged groups, and the promotion of social skills such as critical thinking, self-reflection, and communication skills. Bilateral projects are now being developed on this basis.
Image credit: Bavarian State Chancellery / Hope Foundation
