Update April 2021

B360 New Ways Forward!

The worldwide Corona pandemic has turned many things upside down, and B360 is no exception. However, we continue to pursue our goal of assuring the exchange of knowledge with Southern Africa. Creative solutions, new formats and a lot of flexibility have been required, true to our motto: WE CARRY ON!

Within an extremely short time span, we developed and introduced the «Virtual Volunteering Program». It has proved successful for everybody involved. Please learn more in our Annual Report and on our Website.

Virtual Internships

As our much-appreciated «Northbound Program», bringing students from Southern Africa to Switzerland for three-month internships, has run into Corona-induced obstacles, the idea for «Virtual Internships» was born.

The idea has developed into an exciting and challenging project. The new program was developed in close cooperation with experts and partners in Switzerland and in Southern Africa. With support from the STAUB KAISER FOUNDATION and together with our partners, the project will be built up further step by step. Even beyond the Corona pandemic, it will be part of our future offering, complementing the existing Northbound Program.

Kick-Off on April 19

Four carefully selected students of NUST started their 13-week Virtual Internship on April 19, involving their academic supervisors, the mentors at the partner companies and the virtual host families in Switzerland. The program ends mid-July.

A big Thank You is due to the STAUB KAISER FOUNDATION, the Swiss African Business Circle, rainbow unlimited, Jobs for Africa, NUST, the B360 Alumni in Namibia and Nico Smit. Their support has made this pilot project possible.

We are all excited and a little nervous. Most of all, we look forward to the coming weeks of working and communicating with the four students and all the stakeholders involved.

In August, the pilot internships will be analyzed and evaluated, and the plans for 2022 will be made.

For detailed information on «Virtual Internships» CLICK HERE.

We shall of course keep you informed of future developments.

Sabina Balmer and Team