Q: "When did the Programme start and what was the rationale behind it?"

Ms. Galina Veremeichik: "This is a unique support Programme for Belarus. It came about as a result of an initiative by German civil society including NGOs and various unions and partnerships, working in Belarus in partnership with the non-governmental sector in the beginning of 1990s. In 2000 representatives of these organisations met at their regular conference in the course of which it was concluded that the level of cooperation between Belarus and Germany surpassed the level of normal humanitarian assistance or ad hoc projects or activities. Therefore the German organisations proposed moving to the next level of partnership involving longer term cooperation and joint activities. As a result a broad civil campaign was organised in Germany with public appeals in the Media and to the Deputies of the Local and Federal Parliaments of Germany. In these appeals the German partners called for the allocation of special funding for the implementation of joint projects in Belarus. In 2002 this led to a start of the German Federal Government Assistance Programme for Belarus. This was therefore not originally a governmental initiative but a civil initiative by German NGOs et al”.

Q: "What are the main areas covered by the Programme?"

Astrid Sahm: “There are four principle areas of activity.

Firstly, Education, with an emphasis on the education of adults and school leavers.

Secondly, there are projects in social sphere, such as projects to assist people with physical disabilities. Thirdly, Environmental matters, including: Energy Efficiency, Alternative Sources of Energy and several interesting projects dealing with the establishment of Consulting Centres to assist in the introduction of a system of environmental management compliant with international standards.

Finally, the fourth area of cooperation within the Programme is concerned with small and medium sized business development. In this latter field, special attention is paid to rural development issues, eco-tourism and also the articulation of so-called "Local Agendas".

Q: "Who is funding these projects?"

Astrid Sahm: "The Programme is funded by the German Government via the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. The Programme is segmented into "levels" comprising about 30 projects each and we have reached the fourth stage so that the overall number of projects supported by the Programme is 120. The Programme covers the whole of Belarus and both Belarusian and German partner organisations can submit projects for consideration. Minsk International Educational Centre can assist by introducing appropriate partner organisations to each other and provide general consultancy services regarding project implementation. However, most projects are implemented by partner organisations which have already been working with each other for several years.

There is another important detail: in addition to development of Belarusian-German partnerships, we also develop inter-institutional relations. Priority is given to projects which require participation of both state and non-state actors, churches and businesses from the Belarusian and German sides”.

Q: "Could you give us some examples of successful projects implemented within the Programme?"

Galina Veremeichik: “The projects funded via the programme are all quite different and each has been successful in its own way. One very interesting project was implemented in the Children's Centre "Nadzeja" which is a joint Belarusian-German enterprise. The German side assisted in the development of the concept for the Centre, had a great deal of input regarding its creation and construction and within the framework of the Programme we are discussing here a project was implemented regarding the energy efficiency of the Centre. Some of the new techniques developed within this project became 'showcase' sites where one can observe the use of local energy resources (there is a boiler fueled by woodchips) or alternative energy sources (there is a solar battery, which provides hot water for the canteen)”.

Live and Learn

“I also recall several successful and interesting education projects aimed at development of common activities in the area of continuing education for adults and school leavers. Within the framework of one of these projects we supported the publication of a magazine "Adukatar", devoted to adult education opportunities. Also, in 2006 the first ever festival of complementary education was held in Belarus. Remarkably, this event gathered around 150 participants from different regions of the country to discuss problems and initiatives in this area. We are planning to organise a second Festival this year. The educational system in Belarus is generally rather good, however in real life people face problems that cannot be fully addressed by standard courses in conventional institutions. This is where more informal, complementary civil education administered by NGOs, private educational centres and other institutions has a role to play. This facilitates the provision of educational opportunities for all social groups, in the first instance - for adults”.

Q: "Does politics, including certain areas of disagreement between the countries influence the implementation of the Progamme and projects?"

Astrid Sahm: “In my opinion, our Programme proves that there is a transcendent bilateral interest in cooperation. If such interest didn't exist, the Programme would not exist either. Furthermore, we see potential for the improvement of bilateral relations”.

Galina Veremeichik: “Of course, we do not exist in a vacuum, and therefore political matters have some effect our activities. However, the Programme is well balanced and even though it is being implemented in the non-state sector, it is supported by both the Belarusian and German governments. This is evident from the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the main interlocutor from the Belarusian side. This type of cooperation is generally perceived positively by Belarusian authorities. There is a joint Belarusian-German Project under way in the Kazimirovka district of Mogilev concerning development of a local strategy for sustainable development and Mogilev City Executive Committee is an active partner in this project”.

“Irrespective of some obstacles at a very high political level, contacts between citizens of our countries and between our NGOs continue developing positively. This all serves to illustrate that our Programme is a good example of how the relationship between Belarus and Europe can develop”.

By Andrei Aliaksandrau
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