We focus our efforts on the people of sub-Saharan Africa, where we strive to make a lasting contribution to a better and more self-determined life. Our goal is to establish and promote sustainable educational infrastructure, particularly general education schools, training centres and informal educational opportunities such as seminars, workshops and continuing education programmes. These programmes complement and supplement state, private and social educational institutions. The topics covered range from education and the protection of girls and women to internet and IT skills, social media and financial education, self-employment, inclusion, nutrition and environmental protection.
Some of our projects are developed in cooperation with German and local partner organisations, while others are designed, implemented and operated independently by us in collaboration with local people. These areas in particular require a high degree of willingness to learn, patience and resilience.
Our long-term goal is to establish and operate around 30 educational institutions within the next ten years. Proximity, efficiency and sustainability are the central guiding principles of our work. This is one of the reasons why we have established local Werner Erkes Foundations in Namibia, Uganda and Senegal.
In our work, we treat people and their cultures with great respect, while at the same time being aware of the sometimes considerable challenges involved. Nevertheless – or perhaps precisely because of this – we feel very comfortable in our role as an active partner in development cooperation.