Responding to Challenges: The Role of the Diaspora
Following the crisis between 1996 and 2008, many African governments began to regain stability in 2009, as noted by a World Bank survey. While these developments are encouraging, questions remain about the sustainability and effectiveness of the measures taken. For real transformation to take place, both citizens and politicians must participate in reshaping governance and ensuring accountability. This requires introspection, recognizing that responsibility begins at home, and that leaders must first commit to accountability before representing others.
Although corruption and scandals persist, the increasing influence of civil society on public institutions and decision-making processes has brought transparency and lawful governance into sharper focus. Accountability remains one of the most pressing challenges for African NGOs working to represent the continent.
To overcome these challenges, African NGOs must collaborate, support one another, and share knowledge. By doing so, they can build solidarity and strengthen core capacities such as communication, creativity, cultural understanding, and socio-economic expertise. This exchange of ideas enables Africans in the diaspora to find practical solutions and clarify their role in shaping progress.
AfricanTide has created a forum where members of the diaspora can openly debate even through difficult conversations how to address criticism and strengthen their collective voice. This platform marks an important step toward building a stronger international governance system.
Key Topics of Discussion:
- The primary responsibilities that the diaspora believes should be communicated to African states.
- The role of the diaspora in tackling these responsibilities, alongside other contributing factors.
- Existing forms of cooperation, structures, and mechanisms used to engage and inform the diaspora.
- Approaches for fostering transparency and countering regressive political practices.
- Ensuring equal treatment for all Africans, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or belief.
This dialogue highlights the critical role of the diaspora in driving accountability, solidarity, and inclusive progress for Africa’s future.
Straight from the Heart
AfricanTide Union e.V. and the Anne Frank Comprehensive School worked together with a group of 22 students for around six months on the theater play “Straight from the Heart.”
The students from the fifth and sixth grades, aged between 10 and 13, collaborated on this project during afternoon lessons, supported by their homeroom teacher.
To introduce the children to theater work, the actor Mr. Sulaimon first carried out theater-pedagogical exercises with them. The focus of these exercises was on body awareness and concentration. Since the children lacked prior experience in this area, this preparatory work was necessary and took about eight double lessons. The process was made more challenging by the fact that seven of the children, due to behavioral difficulties in the area of “emotional and social deficits,” required particular attention.
Afterwards, ideas for the theme of the performance were collected. The children were able to identify with the content of the play, as diversity and multicultural coexistence are already part of their daily school life. To deepen their engagement, the students painted pictures that illustrated the various aspects of the presentation. In addition, Mr. Sulaimon gave them the opportunity to explore the theme through improvisation exercises.
Since the primary focus was on language, the children initially worked with texts that seemed difficult to understand, in order to transform the project into an appropriate form using their own creative expressions.
In a second phase, the participants were divided into three working groups according to their interests. One group, under the guidance of a theater scholar, developed the script for the musical, which was later brought to life through acting. Another group composed their own lyrics and melodies for music and rehearsed the songs they had created, supported by a music teacher. Thanks to existing partnerships with other schools, the students had access to a wide range of instruments.
A third group, supported by a staff member from AfricanTide Union e.V., created the costumes and stage design. All choreographies were rehearsed collectively as a whole community.
This integrative project led to intercultural exchange among all participants, which was clearly reflected in the feedback from the audience at the final performance in October 2012 in Dortmund.
A continuation of this project would be highly desirable, so that other students can also have the opportunity to develop their creativity.
Gender & Women’s Empowerment
We recognize that empowering women is key to transforming societies. Through this programme, we:
- Create leadership training and entrepreneurship opportunities tailored for women.
- Run gender equality advocacy campaigns that address cultural barriers and promote inclusion.
- Support women-focused community projects, ensuring their voices are heard in governance, business, and civil society.
By empowering women, we strengthen families, communities, and economies, ensuring development is truly inclusive and sustainable.
Mentorship & Networking
No community thrives in isolation. Our mentorship and networking platforms provide:
- One-on-one mentoring relationships that guide young talents and entrepreneurs through challenges.
- Professional exchange events where participants share experiences, skills, and best practices.
- Cross-continental networking opportunities linking Africa and Europe for mutual growth and collaboration.
These spaces not only promote career development but also foster innovation and solidarity across generations and cultures.
Integration & Social Support
For diaspora communities in Europe, integration is about more than adjusting—it is about thriving. AfricanTide Union offers:
- German language and computer courses to strengthen employability.
- Cultural exchange initiatives that celebrate African heritage while promoting intercultural understanding.
- Childcare and shelters for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied refugee youths and single mothers.
- Dialogue programmes like Knowing Me, Knowing You, which break down social barriers and encourage inclusion.
This programme ensures that migrants remain proud of their cultural identity while actively contributing to their host societies.
Economic Development & Entrepreneurship
We believe economic empowerment is key to independence and dignity. Under this programme, we:
- Support entrepreneurship through the FRIEND project, which offers comprehensive training in accounting, labor law, communication, and business management.
- Provide capacity-building workshops to strengthen skills and create opportunities for self-employment.
- Facilitate business networking events, investment roundtables, and innovation showcases.
Through mentorship and partnerships, we help entrepreneurs access new markets, financing, and the expertise needed to turn ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Youth Participation and Leadership Concept
Young people are the torchbearers of Africa’s future. To equip them for leadership roles, we:
- Deliver leadership training programmes in civic engagement, public speaking, and critical thinking.
- Provide mentorship opportunities linking young people with experienced leaders and professionals.
- Encourage youth forums and debates to give them a platform to voice their ideas and influence decision-making.
By building their confidence and skills, we prepare youth to lead with vision, integrity, and courage, both at home and abroad.
Good Governance & Civic Engagement
Strong institutions and ethical leadership are the backbone of development. Through this programme, we:
- Organize workshops and training on transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
- Host policy dialogues and community forums to encourage open discussions on democracy and participation.
- Provide civic education initiatives that help citizens—especially youth and diaspora members—understand their rights and responsibilities.
Our aim is to nurture a culture of trust, justice, and active citizenship, ensuring that governance systems reflect the values of the communities they serve.