Update July 2021
Dear friends, volunteers, supporters, host families, interns, alumni and partners of B360,
The first half-year is over and closes with a positive result overall! Our decision to develop new programs was right and has enabled us to seamlessly continue our work even in times of Corona.
Internship in Switzerland – a piece of normality regained!
With many uncertainties but also with luck and the great support of our partner companies and host families, the additional obstacles for the planned internships in Switzerland could be mastered. Sincere thanks to all involved!
The internships of the five students from Namibia, started on May 1, and have so far been going very well. On July 1, another student from Namibia arrived in Switzerland. Cathleen Sacheus will complete an internship at the end of September at bob Finance.
The mood was cheerful and lighthearted at the B360 meeting in Zug and the subsequent dinner on the lakeshore on July 6.
Virtual internships – a pilot project close to the finishing line
The virtual internships were developed as a reaction to the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. In the meantime, the 13-week pilot project has arrived in its final stage. The four Namibian students are extremely motivated and thirsty for knowledge. Despite difficult situations and challenges such as a bad third wave of Covid in Namibia, they master their tasks with hard work and commitment. The results are due in August and will be analyzed carefully in conjunction with all partners involved. One thing is already clear, however: All of us have learnt a lot in the course of this exciting project!
Virtual Volunteering – more than meets the eye!
Online teaching is demanding, and it’s made more difficult by the technical issues involved in logistics and internet communication. Several B360 volunteers and experts have accepted the challenge and worked with students in Southern Africa during the past months:
Five Career Starter Courses were successfully completed, with a lot of positive 360 ° feedback. Working in small groups of 4 to 5 students is proving a formula for success.
Online teaching courses in Food Safety, Biomedicine and Nutrition were conducted by several B360 experts. Large classes prove to be an additional challenge.
Rudolf Schmitt took the leap!
In May/June, the long-term Food Safety expert and B360 board member completed a three-week assignment under our Southbound Program at NUST in Windhoek.
Unfortunately, an additional assignment in July had to be cancelled due to the Corona situation in Southern Africa. We hope that at least one more expert can do her assignment in Namibia in September.
New partner university for B360 in Zambia
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the private University of Lusaka (UNILUS) in April. The initiative leading up to this new cooperation had been taken by former Intern Alumna Rebecca Hatoongo. She currently teaches Economics courses at UNILUS.
We remain optimistic and continue to break new ground. Thank you for all your support!
With best wishes
B360 Team