A Lasting Collaboration: Handwerk hilft e.V. and the Salesians of Don Bosco Unite German and Rwandan Apprentices

Following a weeklong active collaboration with students at the Don Bosco Gatenga TVET School, a delegation from the German non-governmental organization Handwerk hilft e.V. paid a courtesy visit to the Salesian Planning and Development Office. Led by Chairman Peter Böhm and accompanied by Father Callixte Ukwitegetse, the team was received by PDO Team to reflect on their dynamic exchange and the long-standing relationship with the Salesians of Don Bosco in Rwanda.

Every year, the core activity of this enduring partnership centers on bringing young German apprentices to Gatenga, allowing them to collaborate directly with local Rwandan apprentices.

Chairman Peter Böhm highlighted the essence of the trip, explaining, “we give the opportunity for an intercultural exchange for young apprentice and we bring them to Gatenga to work together… and share one week together in sports competition or work in the workshops”.

Although the overall duration of the annual trip remains brief because Böhm must return to manage his carpentry business, the intensive hands-on teamwork creates a deep mutual impact.

Even after the German delegation returns home, a profound sense of togetherness remains, sustained by the active and continuous collaboration between the two communities.

Rooted in this long-standing relationship, Handwerk hilft e.V. engages in continuous support activities to uplift the local educational environment.

The organization actively provides student scholarships, supplements the salaries of the teaching staff, and finances further academic studies for educators.

Previously, the group also took on the project of renovating the carpentry workshop and distributed essential relief funds to maintain operations during challenging times.

For the visiting German youth, the experience transforms them into dedicated advocates. Böhm noted the lasting effect of the exchange, stating, “They come back and they are the ambassadors for Africa, for Gatenga, for the work of the Salesians”.

A participating German apprentice, Friedrich, expressed deep admiration for the country’s vibrant environment and the profound warmth of his interactions, noting, “while the nature is beautiful, the human interactions I had were beautiful as well”.

During the workshop activities, Friedrich observed significant differences in their crafting methods. Acknowledging that German apprentices typically rely on modern tools for detailed work, he was amazed by the Rwandan apprentices’ exceptional ability to improvise. Friedrich observed, “I think it’s really impressive to see how you use so little and create so much”.

Witnessing the intense willingness of the local youth to work hard and uplift their nation, the visiting apprentices are now advocating for expanded educational activities and resources.

To further enhance the students’ skills, they emphasize the urgent need for updated tools and fresh academic perspectives to support the apprentices’ eagerness to learn.

Emphasizing this need for concrete support, Friedrich stated, “they are absolutely willing to put in the work to make this country a better place for all of them”.

To achieve this, she noted that they need international teachers and fresh input, specifically pointing to the necessity for “new textbooks, new knowledge and new machinery”.