DW Akademie at federal governments Open House

The federal government's Open House weekend at the end of August brought together people from all walks of life, as well as organizations and associations. DW Akademie was on site with two information stands, including one at the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). DW Akademie staff presented various media development projects being conducted throughout the world, underlining the commitment to free expression and freedom of the press.

Hans-Joachim Fuchtel, Parliamentary Secretary to the BMZ, was interested in DW Akademie's "Media Freedom Navigator", an online tool enabling users to quickly and easily compare various press rankings. Ghana's ambassador to Germany, H.E. Akua Sena Dansua, also wanted to know more. "The Navigator's well designed," she said as she compared her country's press rankings by organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House.

Two elderly "Berliners" stopped by the stand, saying the first time they'd heard free and independent news was at the end of World War II. The news came from a megaphone set up on a van that belonged to the radio station RIAS. The van drove slowly through the American Sector "broadcasting" the latest developments. "We don't use megaphones anymore," said DW Akademie commnications head, Ute Lange, "but DW Akademie continues to support people all over the world who speak up for a free press and freedom of expression."

More than 50 embassies had stands at the Open House as did 60 organizations working in the area of development cooperation. Several DW Akademie partners visited the stand, discussing joint projects and plans for 2016.

Crossmedia German courses

DW Akademie was also present at the Federal Foreign Office, promoting DW's creative online German courses developed by DW Akademie's division for educational programs. The courses are also being used by volunteers who are teaching the language to refugees currently seeking asylum in Germany.