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Würzburg Mainbrücke. Sculpture Stock Photo Copyright.

BEBUC Deutsch-Club (BDC)

Fostering German Language and Culture Among BEBUC Scholars

What is BDC?

The BEBUC Deutsch-Club (BDC) is a vibrant community within the BEBUC Scholarship Program, dedicated to promoting the German language, culture, and intellectual exchange among BEBUC scholars. Founded in June 2024, the BDC provides a platform for members to learn German, explore Germany's rich cultural heritage, and draw valuable lessons from its history and development. The club bridges the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Germany, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.


Our Origin Story What is BDC?

The BEBUC Deutsch-Club's journey began in November 2022 with a conversation between BEBUC Scholar and medical student Elie Nyamuhirwa and Prof. Gerhard Bringmann, the Honorary President of BEBUC. This dialogue sparked the idea to create a club focused on learning the German language and exploring its culture as a model for leadership and progress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The goal was to establish a space where scholars could draw inspiration from Germany’s post-war recovery and apply those lessons to address current challenges in the DRC.
In early 2023, Gloire Kasitu, another BEBUC Scholar and master’s student in Chemistry at Makerere University in Uganda and Siegen University in Germany, joined the initiative, bringing additional expertise and energy to the project. Together, they finalized the concept paper in May 2024, leading to the official launch of the BEBUC Deutsch-Club on June 22, 2024. Today, the club is proud to count 33 members, including 23 founding members from across the DRC, Africa, and a few based in Germany.



Image 1

Gloire Kasitu

Image 2

Elie Nyamuhirwa


Motivation

The motivation behind the creation of the BEBUC Deutsch-Club stems from a desire to equip BEBUC scholars with the linguistic and cultural tools needed to engage more deeply with global perspectives. Germany's remarkable journey from post-war recovery to becoming Europe's strongest economy offers invaluable lessons that can inspire and guide scholars in the DRC.
By learning the German language and immersing themselves in German culture, Members of the BDC are not only enhancing their academic and professional prospects but are also contributing to the broader goal of fostering cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

The BDC is more than just a language club; it is a space for intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and the development of a global mindset. We believe that by embracing the values of diligence, innovation, and resilience hallmarks of German culture our Members will be better equipped to contribute meaningfully to the future of the DRC.



Objectives

 The BEBUC Deutsch-Club has four primary objectives:
  1. German Language Education: To provide German language courses for BEBUC scholars, helping them achieve proficiency in German.
  2. Cultural Exchange: To create opportunities for cultural exchange between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Germany, enriching Members' perspectives and experiences.
  3. Learning from History: To explore lessons from Germany's historical journey, including its economic recovery after World War II and its peaceful reunification, and to apply these lessons to the context of the DRC.
  4. Understanding German Mindset and Values: To deepen Members' understanding of the German mindset, values, and work ethic, and to explore how these can be beneficially applied in the DRC.


Activities

    The BDC organizes a variety of activities aimed at achieving its objectives:
  • German Language Courses: The club offers intensive language courses designed to help members reach A1 and A2 proficiency levels within a few months. Experienced Members teach these courses and may be certified through partnerships with institutions like the Goethe-Institute;
  • Cultural Seminars: Regular seminars and discussions are held on topics such as German history, culture, and economic development. These sessions provide members with a deeper understanding of Germany and its role in the world;
  • Collaborations: The BDC seeks to collaborate with local language schools, cultural institutions, and other organizations to enhance the learning experience and provide recognized certifications;
  • Exchange Programs: The club is exploring future opportunities for exchange programs and study visits to Germany, allowing members to immerse themselves in German culture and language.


Membership

Membership in the BEBUC Deutsch-Club is open to all BEBUC scholars interested in learning German and engaging in cultural exchange. Whether you are a beginner or already have some knowledge of the language, the BDC offers a supportive environment to grow your skills and expand your cultural horizons.

To join, please contact us via the details provided below.


Leadership Team

    The BEBUC Deutsch-Club is led by a dedicated team of scholars, who are committed to the club's success:
  • Elie Nyamuhirwa: Speaker
  • Gloire Kasitu: Vice-Speaker
  • Yvette Kalimumbalo: Website Coordinator
This team is responsible for organizing events, coordinating activities, and ensuring that the club meets its objectives.


Contact Information

    For more information about the BEBUC Deutsch-Club, membership inquiries, or general questions, please contact us at:
  • Email: bebuc.deutschclub@gmail.com.
  • Phone: +243974229248
We are always here to help and look forward to welcoming you to the BEBUC Deutsch-Club.