Photo: ALIAGA Limbania (UGA), SPEISER Edith (MOZ), ZINGEL Matthias (UGA), HABERZETTL Werner (UGA), YBARRA ENGUIX Maria (MOZ), PYKÄLÄ Susanna (UGA), GJAKA Kamber (TGO), Claudia SPRENGER (Head of Preparation, based in Vienna), KRBANJEVIC Anja (ETH)
From September 30th to October 17th, nine future horizont3000 advisors gathered in Vienna for an intensive preparation course, set to support communities in Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Togo. This group, rich in diverse backgrounds, spent three weeks in Vienna engaging in workshops covering both the technical aspects of their roles and the cultural and social contexts they’ll encounter.
This is only the first stage of their training. The advisors will continue with another three weeks in Uganda, where they will gain hands-on experience and connect with the horizont3000 team in Kampala. Through this immersive program, they’ll bridge theoretical training with real-world practice, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to sustainable progress and empowerment in their host communities. As they set off, these advisors carry horizont3000’s mission of fostering resilient, sustainable change across borders.
"I’ve had some enlightening moments in recent weeks. The workshop on resilience was particularly impactful, as it highlighted different resilience competences in a clear and practical way, showing us how to apply them in challenging situations. I also found the session on the origins and relevance of development cooperation exciting—understanding and continually examining these theories is essential for our work."
"There were many interesting and helpful topics in recent weeks. The safety & security training stood out, where we staged scenarios like a market theft and an armed car robbery. It makes sense to continue these trainings, even if such situations are unlikely; they help you become more aware of your surroundings, which is very useful."
Living and studying in Vienna for years, returning to the horizont3000 office felt like a trip down memory lane, especially as I’m now sharing a flat with two colleagues, adding to the feeling of 'coming back home.' Reflecting on the course and my colleagues, I found the sessions on intercultural competence and resilience particularly impactful, sparking a journey of self-reflection. Meeting my fellow TAs has been invaluable; their personal stories have allowed us to bond deeply, creating a safe space for sharing sensitive and even opposing views, all while drawing from a wealth of experience in international cooperation. It’s been truly memorable and enriching.
