The partnership focuses on student exchange and community development. Through the support of their local representative, an annual two-week exchange connects schools in Berlin and Kalpitiya, giving students opportunities to collaborate on creative projects and take part in workshops. Activities have included photography, printing, and recycling workshops, where students developed products such as calendars and bracelets. The products were later sold in Germany, with the proceeds helping fund the programme and the construction of new classrooms at partner schools in Sri Lanka.
To help ensure these initiatives continue, the project partners established CW:Global e.V. The association supports ongoing projects and creates opportunities for schools, institutions and businesses to contribute as the partnership grows.
During the discussion, AHK Sri Lanka member company representatives exchanged ideas with the presenters on ways to support the project’s development. Sarah Hasselbarth of the German Embassy in Colombo, Hannah Schabert, Project Manager at GIZ, Ingo Wagler, Project Manager at Engagement Global gGmbH - SKEW, Carsten Zehner, Consultant for Urban Development, and representatives of the Goethe-Institut in Sri Lanka also contributed. The exchange explored possible forms of cooperation, including ways to connect more schools and communities with the initiative.
Our sincere thank you to the presenters and participants for sharing their experience and helping explore new ways to strengthen the partnership and support the projects future continuation.
AHK Sri Lanka is part of the global German Chamber Network, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). With over 150 locations in 93 countries, the AHKs support German and local companies with their international business development by offering expertise, connections and tailored services. As essential partners of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) in Germany, AHKs operate in countries of strategic importance to German enterprises worldwide.