First-ever Community Weekend for weltwärts alumni in East Africa

In Arusha, Tanzania, former weltwärts volunteers and partner organizations from Kenya and Tanzania gathered in late January for a three-day Community Weekend. The goal? To share life after volunteering, reflect on shared challenges, and build a regional alumni network.

At the Banana Eco Hostel on the outskirts of Arusha, a group of young people from Kenya and Tanzania sit in a large circle on a Friday afternoon—laughing, chatting, and comparing notes. All of them have completed a voluntary service in Germany, and many know exactly what it feels like to return to a reality for which they were barely prepared.

For three days, the focus was on exactly that: life after volunteering. Nineteen alumni and representatives from partner organizations met in late January for a Community Weekend—the first of its kind held outside of Germany.

The event was organized by the grenzenlos Community Fund, in collaboration with IB Kassel, JEKMA, Uvikiuta, CIVS Kenya, and local alumni. It was supported through the weltwärts program's "Program Begleitmaßnahmen" (accompanying measures).

High Impact – Low Visibility

The first discussion rounds made it clear: the biggest challenges often start after coming home.

In a reflection exercise, participants drew "Trees of Life"—using roots for their motivation and leaves for their experiences and future plans. Later, they shared their journeys in small groups.

The stories are strikingly similar. Many spoke about the pressure from their social circles to stay in Germany or send money back home. Others talked about the loneliness of returning or the struggle to find work. A question many of them have faced is: "Why did you even come back?"

What often gets overlooked, several participants noted, is the true value of a weltwärts service: personal growth. > "Before, I wouldn't have been able to sit here and speak in front of people—today I am confident and I know what I want!" says Johnson from Tanzania. He adds, "Since my time abroad, I’ve learned to truly appreciate my own country."

Many want to see more recognition for these experiences and better awareness-building within the social circles of future volunteers. As one program manager from a Kenyan partner organization put it: It’s not about staying in Germany or making money—it’s about gaining new perspectives, growing, and bringing that back to contribute to your own society.

From Personal Stories to a Shared Vision

On the second day, the focus shifted toward the future. In workshops, participants discussed how to use their skills professionally. The conversations revealed the impressive paths many alumni have taken: some have founded their own non-profits; many remain deeply involved in volunteering programs, teaching German or supporting German volunteers as language tutors or host families.

Meanwhile, partner organizations discussed how to provide long-term support for alumni—an area that currently lacks resources. Instead of receiving guidance, returnees often feel like they are "treading water," feeling isolated and unsure of their next steps. There is a clear need for better structures to support this long-term engagement. The goal is to improve networking among local partners, provide better info, and reduce the pressure on current and former volunteers.

The community-building workshop highlighted a massive hunger for exchange. Many hope for a stable network in East Africa—a hub for mutual support, professional opportunities, and collective action. The vision: a connected community that empowers returnees and uses their experiences to drive social development.

A Network Takes Shape

On the final day, things got concrete. Working groups mapped out how they will collaborate moving forward.

Plans include:

• At least six online meetups (e.g., German practice or virtual cooking nights).

• Designated coordinators for events and onboarding new members.

• Outreach to alumni in other countries across the region.

• A special role for Charity Jonas as the Global Ambassador for the weltwärts community.

A first joint project is already underway: a brochure titled "Life After Volunteering in East Africa." This publication will showcase the lived experiences of returnees and is set to be completed by June 2026.

More Than Just a Weekend

The Arusha meeting marks a milestone. It was the first-ever community weekend for weltwärts alumni outside of Germany, bringing together Kenyans and Tanzanians in a targeted way.

More importantly, it proved that this is becoming more than just a "memory network." Many participants are actively shaping programs and mentoring new volunteers.

As Kelvin from Kenya put it:

"Community building is a process. A community grows step by step—through people sharing their experiences and taking responsibility."

That process has officially begun in Arusha. As returnees navigate the space between expectations and new perspectives, this kind of regional connection is more important than ever.