Seasons Greetings

Dear supporters,

the year 2023 is coming to an end and I would first like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and the trust you have placed in us! In view of the many events happening around the world, I know that neither of these things can be taken for granted and that there are numerous initiatives that need to be supported at the moment.
I have just returned from Burkina Faso and was once again able to see how important the Operndorf Afrika is. How important it is to continue working towards our goals and to create sustainable future prospects for the people in the region! This would not be possible without your help!

This year, our focus was the fostering of community and on how we can involve the people around the opera village even more in the project. This includes expanding initiatives such as educational projects for children and young adults and training measures such as the literature café aimed specifically at women. With Laurentine Marie Bayala, we have gained a cultural director for our team, who has expanded the monthly cultural programme by founding the Ciné Cubs and organizing various art exhibitions. During my stay, we opened an art exhibition that dealt with the history of the people and showed various realities of life in the form of photography, film and installations. A women’s association from Ziniaré and chiefs from the various villages were present at the opening. The meeting and discussions with the artists present were enriching for everyone and will be passed on to the families: the children of the Opera Village School will also visit the exhibition and thus get to know other forms of artistic expression. We have also already harvested the first bananas from our school garden.

Through my trip, I was able to see what the Opera Village can be and how important it is now to set an example that we recognize other points of view as equal; that we continue to stand by the people of Burkina Faso and that they can count on our support. I am grateful and very proud to be able to achieve all of this with your help and very much hope that you will continue to support us financially, become a supporting member yourself or give a supporting membership as a Christmas present so that we can maintain and further develop the project.

I hope I can infect you a little with my energy and wish you and your loved ones happy holidays and a happy new year.

Yours
Aino Laberenz