The association in Vaterstetten (Germany)

Shortly after the decision of the Vaterstetten municipal council to enter into a partnership with the city of Alem Katema, the non-profit association “Partnership with Alem Katema” was founded in 1994. Today, it has more than 600 members.

 

Our board

	Anton Stephan, 1st Chairman, born in 1956. I have been a member of our association since 2003. In 2004 I was in Alem Katema for the first time - together with the other cyclists and the people of Ammerthal we laid the foundation stone for the second children's house. During this trip I lost my heart to Alem Katema and its friendly population. For this reason I am committed to "Partnership with Alem Katema". I am happy that I was elected as the 1st chairman for the fourth time in January 2017. I thank my predecessor Sepp Klement (until January 2011) for his great work since the foundation of the association. We can only make a small contribution to improve the lives of the people in our twin town. We want to use this chance.
	Joachim Wiesmüller, 2nd Chairman, born 1954 in Deggendorf, married, one child, engineer. We are a very travel-loving family. Through my earlier commitment to the Ofenmacher e.V., I came to love Alem Katema and appreciate the impact of the partnership association, which also always supported me very much. Consequently, I became a member in 2016 and soon had the desire to work here myself in this broader subject area. I was also very motivated by Anton Stephan, whom I already know from my earlier days at BMW as a vehicle developer. For me, in addition to the existing important, and therefore obligatory, initiatives of the association for social affairs, education and health, I see a growing challenge in the creation of perspectives and livelihood opportunities for young people.
	Armin Pfau, Treasurer, born 1951 in Cologne, industrial clerk, resident of Baldham since 1970. Member of the association since 2020, (before that regular donor). Children are the innocent victims of any "circumstances". They are therefore the grateful target of our assistance. The past and future achievements of our association are a small contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of the children in Alem Katema. This includes the planned construction of the third kindergarten.
	Stephan Kruse, Secretary, born 1957, originally teacher for physics and German, since 1986 working as technical editor in the IT industry. Member of the association since 2003. From the beginning, I have been inspired by the idea of partnership between these two communities - across such great differences, but still in one world. I am delighted to be able to play a part in shaping this partnership. Now I am looking forward to my first visit to Alem Katema.
	Sara Bekele, Associate, I grew up in Ethiopia and have lived in Germany for 22 years. I work as a nurse in a residential home and also freelance as a chiropodist. I am also married and mother of three daughters. I have been active in the association since 2004. At events, I have provided cultural contribution by performing the Ethiopian coffee ceremony and serving Ethiopian food. I am happy that I can now also be active in the board as an assessor.
	Andrea el Masry, Associate, born 1959, married, two children, physics engineer. I have lived here since 1963, with a short interruption. After my first visit in 2009, my decision was quickly made to actively support this unique partnership. Since 2013, I have been a member of the board of directors and the contact person for all member support issues. In addition, I support projects with the aim to improve the educational approaches in our kindergartens in Alem Katema and to establish a direct contact and exchange with institutions in the community of Vaterstetten.
	Natalya Wotte, Associate, born 1999 in Nuremberg, grew up in Munich. I graduated from high school in 2018 and then spent four months volunteering for the association in Alem Katema at the two kindergartens and the internet café over the turn of the year. I am now happy to be a member of the board and hope that I can help to involve more young people in the association.
	Alexander Bestle, assessor, project coordinator, born 1970 and member of the association since 2007. From 2011 to 2019 vice-chairman and currently main responsible for project implementation and public relations. Trained as a journalist and entrepreneur, he has dedicated his professional commitment primarily to Ethiopia. As founder of the association SEED, chairman of the association ProEthiopia and employee of the German-Ethiopian Association and the German-EthiopianFoundation. Enthusiastic mountain climber and soccer player/coach (not that good of a player...). Lives with his wife and three sons in Vaterstetten.