From November 27th to December 1st, 2023, five girls in grades 9-11 seized the unique opportunity to participate in the concluding event of the Media Academy for Girls in Berlin. This event was collaboratively organized with the support of ZfA, GIZ, and the Foreign Office.
Our journey began on November 24th, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant city of Berlin. We explored the historic East Side Gallery at the Berlin Wall, strolled through the cultural neighborhood of Kreuzberg, and delved into the poignant exhibits at the “Flight and Expulsion” documentation center. As the day unfolded, we couldn’t resist the allure of an evening visit to a Christmas market, complete with a memorable Ferris wheel experience.
Starting Wednesday, we engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas, sharing the outcomes of previous media academies with seven other participating schools. The collaboration fostered new intercontinental friendships, broadening our perspectives.
The pinnacle of the event took place on Friday, December 1st, 2023, as participants presented their achievements at a Federal Foreign Office conference themed “Feminist Foreign Policy.” What made this experience truly exceptional was the invaluable exchange with activists from around the world, the cross-pollination of ideas, and the inspiration that ensued.
Returning to Addis on Saturday, we brought back a trove of new ideas and thoughts, eager to apply the insights gained during our enriching experience in Berlin.