Face to Face finally possible again – perspectives from two ASA participants

Thank you for meeting me today. First of all, I would be interested in your first encounter with the ASA programme. What was your motivation to apply for the project?

Saranou: For me the ASA programme is a great opportunity to have a better understanding of what the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are about. Coming from a so-called developing country, I think most of the problems we are facing can be solved through sustainable development. That was my motivation; I wanted to learn more about how to implement the SDGs in practice.

Alassane: When I saw the project, I noticed that it is going to be something about good leadership and local governance in West Africa. And for me living in this region and seeing how the leadership of some governments is...that is something I wanted to work on, I wanted to change something.

What is the aim of your project?

Saranou: Our project is about the evaluation of the German-Senegalese Master degree „Decentralisation and Local Governance”. The programme aims to expand and improve teaching through digitization, providing local governments in West Africa with more qualified professionals.

Alassane: Adding to that, the goal of the project is to evaluate several aspects of the Master programme: From the programme itself up to the alumni. We will start with a project phase in Germany and afterwards continue the project for three months in Senegal.

You arrived in Germany at the beginning of April. What were your first impressions?

Saranou: Coming to Germany was a new experience for me, since I have never been here before. I think, in the beginning it was quite difficult, especially getting used to the cold. Now, the weather is getting better and we are enjoying the new surroundings.  

Alassane: This whole experience is like a journey of discovery for me. I knew I am going to explore a new area, which does not function the same as the place I am coming from. In addition, I thought that the experience of learning abroad and having insights in an intercultural environment could be tough. I have to admit that I had fears about language barriers as well as social challenges, such as racism. However, the first seminar was the proof for me, that I was wrong. When I met the other participants, I realized that the atmosphere is really nice and friendly. I can say, that I felt secure and at home.

What were your expectations for the project phase?

Saranou: Personally, my expectation was to meet different people from different countries. As a student, I thought that the project could help me to be more prepared for my master thesis and learn more about good governance and the SDGs. I hope that I can start from here and become a future leader in implementing the SDGs in my home country.

Alassane: For me the ASA programme is a good learning opportunity. In addition, I want to improve my opportunities in the international job market. At the end, I also hope that our project will achieve its goal and raise people´s awareness for the importance of good education and good governance.

Looking back at your first month: Are there any challenges that you already faced? Are there any learning outcomes already?

Alassane: Travelling to a new country, we did not know anything; we did not even know how to take the tram. Through this experience, I learned how to manage such challenges: Speaking to people and asking questions helped a lot. Also through the seminar, we learned a lot, for example how to interact with people from different backgrounds and how to speak up.

Saranou: I agree! It was my first time to meet and exchange with several people from different cultures. Overall, it was a really interesting and great experience for me.