Our projects
Inclusion – our future project
Firmly establish an "inclusive" education from the very beginning!
Children with and without disabilities should be able to play, learn and grow up together naturally from the very beginning.
The Parsdorf kindergarten already has excellent structural conditions for inclusive education. Now we are starting the next crucial step: targeted professional development for the educators.
Together with the "German Church School" in Addis Ababa – an institution with decades of experience in supporting children with disabilities – we are providing six educators with practical training. They will then pass on their newly acquired knowledge to their colleagues using a "train-the-trainer" approach – sustainably and adapted to local conditions.
Parsdorf Kindergarden
Grand opening of the Parsdorf kindergarten, September 12, 2025
After almost two years of construction and perseverance, it's finally done: The new "Parsdorf" kindergarten has opened its doors in our Ethiopian partner city of Alem Katema.
September 12th was New Year's Day in Ethiopia. Since the first Monday of the new year, the first 300 or so children – including, for the first time, children with disabilities – from the Kebele 2 district have been playing, laughing and learning there.
A strong sign of partnership despite many obstacles.
Nakopa - Together for sustainable development
Within the framework of the NAKOPA program, Vaterstetten and Alem Katema are working on a comprehensive concept for sustainable urban development. The focus is on waste management, water supply, urban green spaces, and education. The goal is to improve quality of life and strengthen environmental awareness in the long term. Expert support and local workshops promote exchange on equal footing – and send a strong signal of global responsibility.
Creative workshop "Weaving"
Craftsmanship, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in Alem Katema!
The textile project specifically promotes entrepreneurship in rural areas – with the aim of preserving traditional craftsmanship while simultaneously strengthening the creativity and self-reliance of local people. Thanks to qualified training, high-quality products are created that open up new markets and sources of income – locally, in Addis Ababa, and in the long term, internationally.
Our association supports young entrepreneurs at the vocational school in Alem Katema through loans and practical "know-how" – within the framework of the NAKOPA project and funded by the Bavarian State Government.
A project that combines tradition, innovation and future perspectives.
Paving stone project..
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Internet Café "AK-VA"
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People's Museum - Preserving tradition in times of change
Globalization is rapidly changing Ethiopia – traditional crafts, clothing, and culture are under pressure. The local history museum, opened in 2013, was established on the initiative of our partnership coordinator, Girma Fisseha. He meticulously collected exhibits from the region to preserve cultural identity for future generations. The museum's interior is modeled after a traditional tukul (a type of traditional Ethiopian hut) and also houses a small exhibition about our partner town of Vaterstetten. It is a place that keeps history alive and fosters cultural exchange.
"Humboldt Library" - a place for knowledge and encounter
The modern “Humboldt Library” in Alem Katema is far more than a library – it is a vibrant learning space. Throughout the year, around 20,000 children and young people come to read, learn and discover new things.
A spacious reading room, computer workstations with printing capabilities and more than 1,600 books – from school materials to novels and comics – open up real perspectives.
Supported by regular donations, the collection is constantly growing. The "Humboldt Library" is therefore a strong symbol of sustainable educational support in the local area.
ENAT Hospital - Healthcare for a growing region
Alem Katema is growing rapidly – and with the region, so is the need for medical care. Enat Hospital is now a central hospital for hundreds of thousands of people. To meet the increasing demands, expanding capacity, modernizing buildings, and providing state-of-the-art medical equipment are urgently needed.
Kindergarden "Baldham"
The second kindergarten of our partnership was planned in 2006 and was quickly realized thanks to great support.
Since 2007, “Baldham” has been a vibrant place for learning and encounters, and stands as a visible symbol of our connection.
But the demand is constantly growing – faster than the available space.
The expansion of the property to the northeast in 2025 opens up the opportunity for an additional building and urgently needed capacity. At the same time, the planned road construction will reduce the area to the west in the future.
“Baldham” is therefore at a crucial juncture: between new beginnings and challenges – with the clear goal of giving even more children a good start in life.
Kindergarten "Vaterstetten"
Since 2000, Alem Katema has been home to the first kindergarten in our partnership – born from a small initiative with a big vision. What once began with great dedication and passion is now a vibrant place of learning, playing, and growing.
For over two decades, this sustainable project has strengthened early childhood education locally and opened up new perspectives for the future of generations of children.
Another important step followed in 2025: A new, separate entrance was created, making access to the kindergarten even safer and more pleasant. The project continues to develop in this way – with the clear goal of providing children with a safe and inspiring space for their start in life.
