Building Bridges for Namibian-German Collaboration
Lukopane will act as a bridge connecting institutions and individuals. As a diaspora organization, many of our members have lived, worked, or studied in both countries. This gives them a deeper understanding of the corporate culture and inner workings of institutions in both countries, as well as the needs and aspirations of everyday people. We will use this unique positioning to support the work being done by both countries at all levels while building our own capacity. Our organization has five main areas of activity, each with short, medium, long-term goals and action plans.
Education & Innovation
Africa has the youngest population on the planet and education is a vital primary need. Strategic partners are needed that understand the shifting global dynamics and effectively listen to youths and cater to their unique and changing needs. Lukopane aims to engage with necessary parties on issues of education for foreign and domestic students. Learning is a lifelong journey and we aim to speak to challenges faced by adult learners and studying professionals.
Sports, Culture & Art
To promote cultural and sports interaction. including an exchange between Namibians and the communities they live in to find opportunities in:
- Technical support exchange
- Talent scouting and development
- Sports infrastructure development and equipment
- To create appreciation and to cooperate with other diverse cultural groups in promoting and sharing the Namibian & German culture and traditions, music, fashion cuisine, art architecture, etc.
Trade & Economic Development
Namibia's middle-income status hides extreme poverty and inequality among the population. The discussion has shifted from viewing the emigration of skilled people as a loss to seeing it as an opportunity for remittances, trade, investment projects, and new knowledge. Many developed economies have used their diasporas as a vital resource. Our goal is to create opportunities for our citizens to become national assets in both Namibia and Germany. We will build our network's capacity to initiate and assist existing projects on various levels and in different fields, from rural grassroots projects and twinning municipalities to start-ups and international cooperation agreements.
Food Production, Environment, and Tourism
Namibia’s natural environment and its populace are inextricably linked. Taking into account the bloody history and unresolved land issues in Namibia it, continues to experience severe social and economic challenges, with slow economic growth, and significant levels of food and nutrition insecurity. We shall take a proactive and consultative approach to help spearhead progressive and inclusive initiatives in environmental protection, food production, and tourism that are in line with national policies. In considering climate change we aim to focus on green and renewable projects as stand-alone’s and to be incorporated into all our operations where possible.
Health and Social Welfare
This is a broad and diverse area of activity and we aim to start with small actionable projects to build capacity e.g. the repatriation of association members’ remains back home. This would be done via a membership funeral fund. Organizing volunteers to visit individuals in German institutions such as old age homes, orphanages and hospitals. On a, larger scale we would like to join with partners in assisting with the fight against communicable diseases as the COVID pandemic showed international cooperation on all levels will be key to fighting future outbreaks. To establish a Namibian association fund that supports Namibians living in Germany in a number of social aspects.
Our Vision
Foster a dynamic Namibian diaspora in Germany that pro-actively contributes to the achievements of Namibia’s national development plans.
Our Mission
To connect people and opportunities through our dynamic German-Namibian network for the socio- economic benefit of both countries.
Our Values
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Fairness
- Courtesy
- Inclusivity
The Board
Milner
Mwanangombe
Chairperson
Jeanny Gloria
Tjakaurua
Vice Chairperson
Wenzel
Catima
Deputy Secretary
Simasiku
Matengu
Treasurer
Rosali
Do Carmo
Deputy Treasurer
Ankama
Hango
Auditor
Connecting Namibian Diaspora in Germany for Bilateral Cooperation
Lukopane aims to bring Namibian diaspora in Germany together to facilitate mutual cooperation and foster sustainable development in both countries. By connecting with the diaspora, Lukopane hopes to create a platform for sharing ideas, resources, and expertise, to drive bilateral collaboration and unlock opportunities for economic and social growth.