Connecting People, Knowledge and Ideas: A Look Back at Our Recent Weeks
In March, we kicked off our webinar series with a session called „Understanding Waste“. Over 30 people from Ghana joined us online to explore something that affects all of us, just in very different ways. It turned out that these differences made the conversation so valuable. Around the same time, another piece of news arrived that still amazes us: Ntifafa Sustainability e.V. had been nominated for the Karl Kübel Foundation’s Fairwandler Award. More on that below.
A conversation across borders
We started the session by establishing a shared foundation of current statistics on the global waste situation, with a specific look at Ghana. From there, we explored what waste management actually looks like in practice and the changes needed at both the systemic level and in everyday life.
By the end, the discussion had found its own direction. The focus shiftet to something more immediate: Which approaches actually work on the ground in Ghana, and where the most urgent gaps remain.
What followed was a rich and open exchange shaped by curiosity and different viewpoints. The conversation was so engaging that it continued beyond the planned time, which speaks volumes about the energy in the room.
We got nominated: The Fairwandler Award
We were recently nominated for the Fairwandler Award by the Karl Kübel Stiftung für Kind und Familie Foundation. As part of this recognition, we were invited to an intensive 48-hour orientation workshop at the Odenwald Institute, set in the midst of nature.
Although we arrived not knowing each other, we left with a genuine sense of connection, greater clarity and new ideas.The workshop created space for reflection, exchange and new perspectives. We went on walks through the countryside, had open and honest conversations, and took part in focused sessions with coaches Sophie Schmierer and Maximilian Redwitz from Kreatives Unternehmertum (KU). The atmosphere was what made the experience stand out. It felt less like a formal programme and more like a shared journey, much like a very good school trip.
One moment in particular stayed with us: During a walk, we met a group of children selling freshly picked herbs. They presented their offer clearly and confidently, simple and straight to the point.
It made us pause and reflect. How would we explain Ntifafa to them? So we tried. And in doing so, we found clarity:
Ntifafa connects people, knowledge and projects so that ideas on sustainability are not only talked about, but also become reality through shared strength.
Our approach and why this series matters to us
At Ntifafa, we believe that knowledge should be accessible, especially on topics such as sustainability, a topic that affects all of our lives.
This is why we are committed to developing this free webinar series, introducing new topics and inviting a variety of speakers. Our goal is not to lecture, but to create a space where we can think together, learn from one another, and turn ideas into action.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to:
The AGI [Association of Ghana Industries]
The Ghana Recycling Initiative by Private Enterprises (GRIPE)
Eric Affum Boamah for his thoughtful moderation
Natasha Eyiah for her invaluable support behind the scenes
What we are taking with us
Looking back, we see that the webinar and the workshop are more connected than we could have planned. Both highlight the same idea. Real progress happens through exchange, with other people, across borders, across disciplines and across experiences.
This is what Ntifafa stands for and this is what we will continue to build on.
Stay tuned, the webinar series continues
We are already collecting ideas for upcoming sessions. Which aspects of sustainability matter most to you?
We would love to hear from you. Stay connected through our channels and be part of what comes next.