The partnership network is also growing through the active search for new forms of partnerships. These do not always have to be between two church districts, but can be thematic in nature and for example have “women” as their theme or be between two institutions such as universities or hospitals. Currently, new "trilateral partnerships" are also being formed among church districts or institutions in three countries.

In Germany, for example, advising is available through the "round table" for all groups that have a partnership with a church in Africa or Asia. There are also partnership seminars that can be attended by all groups that have a partnership with another country and at which people are able to share their experiences.

Once a year, we invite all committee chairpersons and multipliers to a Partnership Conference on a particular issue. You can learn more about the 2010 conference here. We also organize consultations in which German partnership groups connected to a particular church meet with partnership representatives from member churches in Africa or Asia.

Our offer includes preparing partnership visits or evaluation of partnerships. Seminars on project management are important for managing or assessing a joint project. Seminars on intercultural communication help prevent misunderstandings and aid in understanding possible conflicts.

We also offer seminars on special topics for partnership groups, such as fair trade, HIV/AIDS in the partner country, or the situation of women there. Last but not least, language classes in Swahili, Indonesian, Tagalog, English and French help prepare people working within partnerships to communicate even better with their partners in Africa and Asia – all so that our partnerships work even more smoothly.

More information on trainings are here.