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STEP News
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05.08.2010
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Mbirimuje Ngupandjara, STEP Intern
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Two-day business seminar for the STEP 2010 interns
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Not only do STEP participants learn new skills through their internships in German companies, additional IT and business training is offered by the SAFRI Office. Here Mr Mbirimuje Ngupandjara, STEP intern from Namibia, reports on the two-day seminar "Effective Presentations" >>>>
Pretty much, in some way or another, we all think that people love to listen to our speeches all the time. However, I came to the realization that people are rather of a selfish nature and will only listen to you, when it profits them in some way or another.
On the 15-16 July, the STEP interns took part in another workshop titled “Effective Presentations”, which was conducted by Mr. Daniel Boswell.
I was really blessed to have attended this workshop and it really changed my life. Most of the perceptions I had about presenting were totally wrong. At first I thought that Mr. Boswell’s methods were rather peculiar. He took videos of us, the STEP interns, and thereafter analyzed them and showed us our strengths and areas of weaknesses and also tips on how to overcome our weaknesses. I was amazed and surprised that we were camera shy and found it hard to be ourselves in front of the camera. The idea that we were being filmed was scary but I am glad that we did it. Through this, we were able to see what we were doing wrong when presenting and were able to correct our mistakes.
Presentations are a great way of showing what you can do or have to offer. What really impacted me was that I can influence people to react in a certain manner, depending on the message I’m sending out. If you are a better communicator, people will like u and you’ll be able to sell yourself.
The gist of the workshop is mainly summarized in three parts.
1. The WIIFY principle
2. The WWR concept
3. The presentation.
The WIIFY phenomenon only exploits the very selfish nature of human beings. Whether you will refute this fact, every person will not listen to a presentation unless there is a benefit for them, hence the WIIFY or “What’s In It For You” principle. Everyone in the audience asks themselves, what’s in it for me, why am I here and how is this going to make my life better? And as such, every good presenter should be able to answer these questions before he/she loses the audience, which is usually between 30 seconds to 2 minutes into a presentation.
With the WIIFY, the presenter focuses all the attention on the audience, telling them what the benefits of listening to him/her are.
Presentation is something that is used everyday and in order to be a good presenter with good results, the WWR or “WHAT, WHY & RESULT” principle is used. The WWR principle builds on the WIIFY theory. Every good presenter needs to send a clear message of the topic being discussed as well as why the audience needs to listen to the presentation (WIIFY) and thereafter induce the audience to act to produce the desired results.
Finally, the presentation itself. In the corporate world, the usage of PowerPoint in presentations has replaced the presenter. PowerPoint is supposed to be a tool that helps a presenter to make a presentation and not the replacement of the presenter. Thus, the presenter has to make sure that he/she does not include a lot of text but rather use catch phrases to arouse the attention of the audience and then explain the phrases. Less is definitely more.
Furthermore, the body language of the presenter is also important. The presenter must have a genuine smile, keep eye contact and use hands to illustrate ideas or simply keep the hands visible in-between the breast and belt area. When the hands are visible, the audience tends to trust the presenter more. Keeping eye contact engages the audience, and thus the audience listens more attentively.
Personally, I found it hard to smile, but I know better now. People want too hear a positive message for the power of life and death lies in the tongue and a frown was not really helping my case.
The Effective Presentations workshop added a lot of value to my being and I can use the knowledge I got to advance my future career endeavors.
By Mbirimuje Ngupandjara
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10.06.2010
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Liebrecht Otto, STEP Intern
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Besuch in die Hauptstadt - STEP visit to Berlin 2 - 5 June 2010
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With five of the six STEPpers based in the south of Germany, the Stuttgart vs. Berlin debate had been raging for months. From 2-5 June, it was finally my chance to show my fellow STEPpers the capital, die Hauptstadt – finally they could understand the pride that goes with emulating the late JFK in saying „ich bin ein Berliner“.
The group arrived in high spirit and after checking in to the Gaestehaus, it was time for dinner. Everyone had a great time catching up at Deponie Restaurant as guests of SAFRI and Herrn Georg Beuerle, but before long we had to head back to grab a few hours of sleep.
Thursday morning was one that I had both looked forward to and dreaded for quite some time. I was eager to show the STEPpers the amazingly rebuilt Potsdamer Platz, but also slightly apprehensive about my presentation ‚auf Deutsch’. Like Desmund in May, I was given the task of presenting my department, the Society and Technology Research Group (STRG), to the other STEPpers in German. After my supervisor, Frau Marion Diehr and our Chef, Herr Thomas Waschke, welcomed everyone I explained the research topics and methodologies of the STRG, as well as the projects that I had been involved in over the last few months.
We then headed to the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, for a meeting with Dr Oliver Lamprecht, Director of Agricultural Policy, Special Trade Policy Issues, sub-Saharan Africa. The group was left with much to ponder and discuss and I think Dr Lamprecht’s talk will impact our views on resources, investments and policies for years to come.
A guided tour of the city followed next and everyone was amazed at our guide Claas’s knowledge of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and many other fantastic Berlin attractions.
Friday’s tour of Kreuzberg with Ms Gökcen Demiragli of the Kreuzberg Museum was another highlight. Ms Demiragli explained the history of the district and the plight of the foreign workers and asylum-seekers of Kreuzberg. She then took us on a walk through the district, followed by lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant.
Friday evening’s braai (‚grill’ to our German friends) at the Namibian Ambassador’s residence was the perfect conclusion to a wonderful few days. It was a truly African evening with great food, music and even a bit of dancing. We were fortunate enough to also meet ambassadors from Lesotho, Mozambique and South Africa and would like to express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Ambassador Gertze, and his staff for their hospitality.
Yet again SAFRI has exposed us to a whole new world of ideas and a new way of thinking. I learned a lot and got the chance to show off Berlin for a few days. I feel truly privileged and blessed to be able to carry out my internship in the historic and culture-filled German capital.
“Berlin ist mehr ein Weltteil als eine Stadt“ – Berlin is more a ‘piece of the world’ than a city.
- Jean Paul (18th century novelist)
Report written by Liebrecht Otto, Society and Technology Research Group, Daimler AG, Berlin
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20.05.2010
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Desmund Nawaseb, STEP Intern at Daimler AG
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Our Test Track Experience!
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6th May 2010, the day that transformed the STEPpers dream of being on a real test track into reality. The
weather forecast made the event seem impossible since it was raining, but the STEPpers were highly anticipated
and kept the hope alive to see the day turn out to be a success ......
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17.05.2010
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Etuhole Efraim, STEP Intern
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STEP Interns visit the SWR Südwestrundfunk radio and television station on 6th May 2010
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On Friday the 12th May 2010, the STEPPERS and I got the opportunity to visit the SWR Südwestrundfunk radio and television station. So many people watch TV and listen to the radio on an everyday basis, but very few get to see what happens behind the scenes. I feel very privileged to have had this chance it has changed my perspective of media completely.
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17.05.2010
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Gabriel Nhinda/Mbirimuje Ngupandjara
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SAFRI Office organises workshop for STEP interns at the University of Tübingen
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As part of the cultural programme which accompanies the STEP interns during their stay in Germany, the SAFRI Office organised a 2-day workshop at the University of Tübingen covering German history, politics, geography, economy and intercultural communication. Here in their report the STEP interns Gabriel Nhinda and Mbirimuje Ngupandjara describe their visit to Tübingen.
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22.03.2010
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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STEP 2010 Group complete
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On 1st March 2010 the remaining 5 participants in the STEP 2010 group arrived in Stuttgart to join Mpho Seretse, who came to Germany one month earlier to learn German in Schwäbisch Hall.
After the one-week induction which included intercultural/business training and a tour of the Mercedes-Benz plant and Museum, the STEP participants started their internships at Daimler in Berlin, Sindelfingen and Stuttgart on 8th March 2010.
Four of the STEP interns are students at the Polytechnic of Namibia. Etuhole Efraim and Gabriel Nhinda are completing their Bachelor of Information Technology and are currently working in IT departments at Daimler. Desmund Nawaseb, a mechanical engineer, is working in the department "Lightweight Vehicles" in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Mbirimuje Ngupandjara, graduating this year with a Bachelor of Technology in Accounting and Finance is working in the financial department dealing with revenue controlling.
Lieb Otto from South Africa has just graduated from Stellenbosch University. He is carrying out his internship at Daimler in Berlin in the department "Society and Technology Research".
Mpho Seretse, a finance graduate from the University of Botswana, is carrying out his internship at Daimler in the department "Controlling Participations".
During the next six months the STEP interns will not only gain valuable work experience in their area of study, they will also continue to learn the German language and get to know Germany and its culture by taking part in excursions organised by the SAFRI Office.
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05.02.2010
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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The first STEP 2010 intern arrives in Germany!
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On Monday 1st February 2010, Mr Mpho Seretse, the first of six STEP interns coming to Germany to take part in the Students Experience Programme (STEP) 2010, arrived in Germany. Mpho then travelled on to the town of Schwäbisch Hall where he is currently learning German for one month at the Goethe Institute before starting his internship at Daimler in Stuttgart on 1st March 2010. At the vehicle manufacturer he will be applying his knowledge from his finance studies at the University of Botswana in his work in the department called "Controlling Participations Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia".
The remaining 5 STEP participants from Namibia and South Africa are currently learning German in their home countries and will be joining Mpho in Stuttgart on 1st March. They will also be carrying out internships at Daimler in Sindelfingen, Stuttgart and Berlin.
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02.11.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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Former STEP interns from Dornier Consulting meet Minister Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Reinhart
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A delegation from the German state of Baden-Württemberg was in South Africa from October 5 - 7 to hold discussions with representatives from its partner state, KwaZulu Natal, and the South African national government. The Minister for Federal and European Affairs Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Reinhart headed the delegation.
The delegation also celebrated Germany's 19th National Unity Day on October 5 at a reception with South African dignitaries at the residence of the German Ambassador in Pretoria. During the event Minister Reinhart met 3 former STEP interns who completed a six-month internship at Dornier Consulting GmbH in Baden-Württemberg in 2008. In the photo can been seen from left to right: Mr Kagiso Hlabahlaba, Ms Emilia Prozesky, Minister Reinhart, Mr Kabelo Mokwena and Mr Georg Beuerle (Head of the Office of the SAFRI Chairman).
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28.08.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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An Opportunity for Life : Deutschland Magazine reports on STEP
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In it's August/September 2009 issue, "Deutschland Magazine" reports on the Students Experience Programme (STEP)and talks to the STEP 2009 interns Nokuthula Zungu, Fillemon Shilongo and Balomeletsi Bafedile.
"Deutschland Magazine" is published in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. It provides background analyses, informs its readers about topical issues in Germany and Europe, and reports on bilateral relations between Germany and other regions of the world.
Read the article >>> http://www.magazine-deutschland.de/en/artikel-en/article/article/eine-chance-fuers-leben.html"
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25.08.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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STEP interns return home after completing their internships in Germany
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On 31st July 2009 the 8 STEP interns returned to their home countries of Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia and South Africa after successfully completing their five-month internships with Daimer AG, Sommer Corporate Media Elanders GmbH and ThyssenKrupp Mannex GmbH. During the STEP farewell event on 29th July 2009 the STEP interns each gave a presentation in German describing their work and experience in Germany and their future plans. The event was attended by H.E. Mr Neville Gertze (Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia), Ms Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus (Office of The Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Namibia), Mr Dikgakgamatso Moremi (Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Botswana), Mr Riedwaan Ahmed (Consul Political, South African Consulate-General) and Ms Elsa Rajemison (Counsellor Economic Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar), the STEP project team and the supervisors and colleagues of the STEP interns.
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30.06.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Kabelo Lesole Didibeng
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STEP workshop "Take Charge of Your Life!"
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On 25 and 26 June 2009 the STEP interns took part in the workshop „Take Charge of Your Life!“
The workshop was held by Ms Nina Mapili who has developed and manages the SAFRI “Journey to Excellence” programme. She has organised, initiated and facilitated workshops for young people, managers, entrepreneurs and businesses for more than 12 years in 10 southern African countries.
The „Take Charge of Your Life!“ workshop is designed for individuals who want to improve their level of excellence and take positive charge of their lives by developing their own vision, mission and values, and then formulating a plan to achieve their vision.
Find out more about the two-day workshop by reading the attached report written by STEP intern Mr Kabelo Lesole Didibeng from Botswana:
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04.06.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Fillemon Shilongo
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STEP Interns visit the Stuttgarter Zeitung (newspaper)
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On the 22nd May 2009, we (STEPpers 2009) had the opportunity to tour the Stuttgarter Zeitung, a top newspaper in Stuttgart.
Ms Bocho from the Stuttarter Zeitung first told us about the history and organisation of the newspaper in general, from the freedom, laws and policies that govern the news press to the foundation of Stuttgart Zeitung. It was brought to our attention that the first newspaper was first printed in France in 1609. The Stuttgart Zeitung was first published on 18th September 1945, just freshly after the Second World War which makes it to be one of the oldest newspapers in Germany.
Following this we were shown a 20 minute long video about how the news press works and operates. It was an interesting and eye catching film. After all, we came to a conclusion that only news keeps us in touch with the milieu in which we live. It give us the insight to the dynamics that form the environment around us, it be in local or regional or national or international level.
In the same vain, there was a part that I personally enjoyed utmost, the tour of Stuttgart Zeitung printing system, maybe simply because I am carrying out my STEP internship at Sommer Corporate Media in Waiblingen, one of the top
media and communication service providers. We were introduced to how computers are being fended with news data, the production of newspaper and the model of mailing system which make newspapers available to the end-users. The Stuttgart Zeitung is being read by 2.4 people on average and it is one of the top independent newspapers in Germany. 150.000 copies of the newspaper are sold every day.
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27.05.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Ndeendelao Elsie Hamunyela
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STEP interns visit Aids-Hilfe Stuttgart e.V.
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On 14 May 2009 the STEP interns visited the aids support organisation "Aids-Hilfe Stuttgart e.V." where they discussed the subject of HIV/aids in Germany and Africa with Mr Alfons Stetter. Find out more by reading STEP intern Ndeendelao Elsie Hamunyela's report.
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27.05.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Tsiky Andriamitahirizosifahafahana
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A big bravo for a time escape in the Stuttgart State Theatre!
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On 21st May 2009 the STEP group went on a guided tour "behind the scenes" of the State Theatre in Stuttgart. After the tour they attended a performance of "La fille mal gardée" by the world-famous Stuttgart ballet company. Find out more about this fascinating evening by reading the report by Tsiky Andriamitahirizosifahafahana from Madagascar:
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05.05.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Mathlhogonolo Mmutle & Balomeletsi Bafedile
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STEP interns visit the University of Tübingen
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On Friday 24th April and Saturday 25th April the STEP interns visited the University of Tübingen where they took part in workshops on German history, geography, politics, economy and intercultural training.
Please click on the following links to read the report written by the STEP interns Matlhogonolo Mmutle from South Africa and Balomeletsi Bafedile from Botswana and to see photos taken during their visit.
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16.03.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Nokuthula Zungu, STEP Intern 2009
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STEP intern Nokuthula Zungu: My first impression of Germany
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Ms Nokuthula Zungu is from Durban in South Africa and is taking part in the STEP 2009 programme. She has just completed her Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management and Marketing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. On 5th March she began her STEP internship at Daimler AG in Sindelfingen near Stuttgart in "Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans". Here she describes her first few days in Germany.
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05.03.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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The seventh group of STEP participants has arrived in Germany!
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The seventh group of students and graduates to take part in the Students Experience Programme (STEP) arrived in Germany on Sunday, 1st March 2009. After a 4-day induction in Stuttgart, the 8 STEP interns are starting their five-month internships today (5th March) in their respective companies.
Ms Balomeletsi Bafedile from Botswana is working for Daimler in the department “CharterWay”. Her fellow countryman, Mr Kabelo Lesole Didibeng, is also at Daimler in the IT department “Enterprise Architecture Management”.
Madagascar is represented by two female students from INSCAE (Institut National des Sciences Comptables et de l’Administration d’Entreprises): Ms Mialy Ranaivoson is working at Daimler in the department “Service Mercedes-Benz Africa”. Ms Tsiky Andriamitahirizosifahafahana is located in Düsseldorf at ThyssenKrupp Mannex GmbH who are hosting a STEP intern for the first time. She will gain valuable practical experience in three different departments: finance, controlling and sales.
Our two South African STEP interns, Ms Matlhogonolo Mmutle and Ms Nokuthula Zungu, come from Pretoria and Durban respectively. They will complete their internships at Daimler in “Production Planning” (Ms Mmutle) and Procurement (Ms Zungu).
Ms Ndeendelao Hamunyela from Namibia will be using her knowledge from her economics studies at the Polytechnic of Namibia to support the controlling department of Daimler Central/Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. Last but not least, Mr Fillemon Shilongo, also an economics student at the Polytechnic of Namibia, is working at the media top media and communication service provider Sommer Corporate Media Elanders GmbH. They are based near Stuttgart and are hosting a STEP intern for the fifth time.
SAFRI wishes all the STEP interns a very successful and enjoyable stay in Germany!
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19.01.2009
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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New STEP group coming to Germany in March 2009
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The 7th group of participants in the Students Experience Programme (STEP) will be arriving in Germany on 1st March 2009. The 8 students from Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia and South Africa were selected from many applicants during the assessment centres held in their home countries in September 2008. They will be broadening their knowledge and work skills during their five-month internships at Daimler AG (in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen), Sommer Corporate Media Elanders GmbH (Waiblingen near Stuttgart)and ThyssenKrupp Mannex GmbH in Düsseldorf. The students are currently busy learning German in their home countries in preparation for their stay in Germany.
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21.10.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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STEP Alumni Network - Questionnaire for former STEP participants
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SAFRI would like to begin a new and energetic phase of alumni work with the goal of helping former participants in the Students Experience Programme (STEP) to stay in touch with SAFRI, Germany and each other. In addition, we would like to draw the attention of STEP alumni to interesting events in their home countries which they may like to attend.
Furthermore we are considering organising a STEP alumni event in 2009. In order to prepare this event, we would like to know if you are interested in a STEP alumni network and what you would expect from it. Please contact Joanne Dittrich, STEP Project Coordinator, by email (joanne.dittrich@daimler.com) to receive a copy of the STEP alumni questionnaire. By completing the questionnaire you will help us to create a project which suits your needs and interests. The deadline for completing the questionnaire is 7th November 2008. Many thanks!
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01.10.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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Former Namibian STEP interns meet up in Windhoek
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On Friday, 5th September 2008, four of the seven former STEP interns from Namibia met up in Windhoek with Joanne Dittrich, the STEP Project Coordinator, for an evening of lively discussion and reminiscing about their experiences during their respective internships in Germany. The former “STEPpers” were participants in three different STEP runs: Victor Shimwandi (3rd STEP group, October 2006 until February 2007) is currently finishing his studies at the University of Namibia. Ruusa Shuuya from the same STEP group is working as a representative of Inwent. Guido Koch (4th STEP group, March until August 2007) is working as an engineer in Windhoek. Annely Angula had just returned from Germany the week before the STEP get-together after completing her internship at Daimler in Stuttgart. She was part of the 6th STEP group which was in Germany from March until August 2008. Annely is continuing her studies in business administration at the Polytechnic of Namibia.
All the participants agreed that it meant a lot to them to have been part of the STEP programme. STEP not only gave them the opportunity to experience the German business world, but it also allowed them to experience the German culture, the German language and the German people, and to discover and learn more about themselves.
Unfortunately three former Namibian STEP interns could not attend. Until the middle of September 2008, Carla de Oliveira was doing an internship in China. Himeezembi Kahorongo is currently studying in Chicago, USA and Rauna Nghishekwa had a prior commitment.
Please click below to see photos of the STEP get-together.
First photo (from left to right: Annely Angula, Joanne Dittrich (SAFRI), Guido Koch, Ruusa Shuuya and Victor Shimwandi.
Second photo (from left to right): Guido Koch, Ruusa Shuuya and Victor Shimwandi
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12.09.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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STEP interns return home after completing internships in Germany
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On 29th August 2008 the 10 STEP interns returned to their home countries after successfully completing their six-month internships with Daimer AG, Dornier Consulting GmbH and Sommer Corporate Media Elanders GmbH in Germany. At the farewell celebration on 27th August attended by the STEP mentors, Ms Sandra Schapler (STEP Coordinator at Dornier Consulting), Mr Herbert Grünwald (CEO of Dornier Consulting), each intern was presented with a STEP certificate by Mr Beuerle from the SAFRI office.
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14.08.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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STEP 2009 : Application period for all SADC countries now ended
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The application period for STEP internships in 2009 has now ended.
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23.07.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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Apply now for a STEP internship in Germany 1st March – 31st August 2009
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Students and young graduates from SADC countries are invited to apply for a STEP internship in Germany in 2009.
The six-month internships will take place from 1st March until 31st August 2009. During the internship you will be given the opportunity to gain work experience and acquire specific competencies for your future careers.
Please see the attachments for further information on STEP, Frequently Asked Questions and how to apply.
South African applicants: please note that online applications are possible as from Sunday, 27th July!
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22.07.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Monametsi Tau, STEP intern
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STEP interns visit Sommer Corporate Media
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The long awaited tour of one of the participating companies in the Student Experience Programme (STEP), Sommer Corporate Media GmbH took place on the hot Friday afternoon 11th of July. Sommer Corporate Media is based in Waiblingen and is an independent partner under the Elanders Group of companies and hosts one of the STEP students in its Project Management Department, Mr. Monametsi Tau.
Sommer Corporate Media is a company that offers outstanding product capacity in offset and digital printing, creating solutions tailor made for the customer hence making them one of the leading printing houses in Europe equipped with the latest technology for their business. They offer four solutions: Print solutions, Media solutions, Digital solutionsand Direct solutions and offer services to cover all areas of digital and printed communication.
Preceding the warm welcome and company presentation by Mr. Andreas Rainer (Area Management digital print) and Carolin Dehn (Project Manager), we were taken for a guided tour of the printing house. We got to see the fascination of the printing of the car manuals, how fast the huge machines can print these and the finishing of the manuals and as well as other products like personalized mails, photo books and calendars. The printing house is filled with several machines, each serving a different task in the printing process. Seeing all the production of the manuals and paper art we see each day and take for granted really was intriguing and indeed enlightening, and the quality that is involved, customer oriented indeed. In keeping their motion of ‘customer happiness’ we each received our own personalized work books, a great thank you to Sommer Corporate Media and SAFRI for such an eventful afternoon. I believe we all learnt something, as the saying goes ‘everyday is a learning opportunity’.
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18.07.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Melinda Thangavaloo, STEP Intern
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Minister of Education Ina Cronjé from South Africa visits Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart
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On the 5th July 2008 STEP South African interns had the pleasure of meeting with the Minister of Education from Kwa-Zulu Natal in Stuttgart at the Mercedes Benz Museum.
During her stay in Germany she had a full programme of visiting schools, Tübingen University, training centres, etc. Kwa-Zulu Natal is the partner ‘Land’ of Baden Württemberg.
We dressed our best and waited intently for the minister Mrs. Ina Cronjé together with her delegation of 10 colleagues to arrive. We were introduced to each of them and were ecstatic to meet our fellow countrymen and women. We kicked off with a royal tour of the Museum and networked with each of them. We were enlightened about their role and objective of their visit to Germany and found their strategy to be very motivating.
They were pleased to hear of our achievement thus far and interested to know about what we have learnt during our stay thus far.
Around the end of the tour we were all famished and were invited to join the minister and her colleagues for lunch at the Mercedes Benz Museum. During this time we learnt more about each other and our specific projects. We were thoroughly motivated by the delegation to strive for excellence and continue being ambassadors for Africa. The event was rounded with many photos and bliss within our hearts from meeting people of such high status. This was truly a motivational experience, one that will surely stay in my mind for a long time to come still. A special thanks to SAFRI and all concerned stakeholders for making this possible.
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15.07.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Kagiso Hlabahlaba, STEP intern
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A Day at the Solar Village Rottenburg-Oberndorf
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I must admit, when I first found out we were going to spend a day talking and learning about solar systems and solar energy, I thought it was going to be a very long day. However, my opinion was changed as soon as Mr. Hartmann from the Hartmann Energietechnik GmbH started explaining to us how it all works.
As usual, it was a very early morning for us, we were out of the house just before 7am and we got to Obendorf at about 9am. We were met by Mr. Hartmann himself, who was driving in what looked like a tri-cycle with an engine, we later learned it was the TWIKE, a three wheel human powered hybrid that can drive up to speeds of 85 km/h.
After he welcomed us, we walked around the village of Oberndorf, where about half the community partly run their households on solar energy, this means the Hartmann Energietechnik Gmbh installs solar panels on top of the houses and these panels absorb heat and energy from the sun and use this energy for electrical and heating purposes. Usually this energy is only enough for purposes of heating the water used in the household, but in some cases, where the solar panels are very big, this energy could be used as the primary source of electricity for heating, cooking and the general running of the household. This was indeed a great eye-opener, to discover that we can use natural resources to generate energy to run our homes, I think a lot of countries affected by power shortages can learn from this organisation.
By midday, we had worked up a huge appetite and off we went to the Sonnenzentrum for what was one of the best tasting meals I’ve had since coming to Germany, they served a fish dish, traditional bratwurst and maultaschen wrapped in an omelette. I’m not sure if it had anything to do with the fact that the meals were prepared using only solar energy, but they all tasted scrumptious, and I got the feeling that it was a healthier meal for some reason.
After a delicious meal, we had a tour of the Sonnenzentrum and we were shown where and how these solar panels are actually built and we got a chance to see the employees in action. After touring though the centre, we each got a chance to take a much anticipated ride in the TWIKE, and what a pleasure it was. We easily reached about 70km/h and it was surprisingly comfortable, for such a small car and to think, it runs totally on electricity, a great invention indeed.
After what seemed like a very short time, we had to say our goodbyes, definitely a sad moment as we all felt we wanted to see and learn so much more. This was without a doubt a mind opening experience, one that we will forever be grateful for.
Off we were, back to the city and I couldn’t help but think to myself, how nice it would have been to drive back in the TWIKE as opposed to the train….maybe I should invest in one of these super inventions.
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01.07.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Büro
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Autor:
Monametsi Tau, STEP intern from Botswana
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STEP Interns meet South African Postgraduate Interns in Dresden
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Our group of 2008 STEP interns continued our cultural programme and learning about the relations between Germany and the African countries. On the 20-21 June we were invited by Professor Scharff, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of South Africa for the German states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Together with the VDI (Association of German Engineers) in Chemnitz, Professor Scharff organizes internships for young graduates from South Africa, Free State Province. Presently 8 interns have just completed their 2 months internship and due to the nature of Professor Scharff’s project, which has similarities in objectives and goals with STEP, he invited our STEP group to join his interns before they returned to South Africa on 29th June 2008.
After our arrival at Citybeach, we met with Professor Scharff together with Counsellor Ismail Esau (from Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Berlin), Mr. Ferdinand Ruchay (Head of Department Business Development, City of Dresden) and Martin Hiersemann (representing the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the VDI Chemnitz). The introduction was followed by presentations and speeches from Professor Scharff and his associates with Counsellor Esau sharing part of his past experiences as a student in Hamburg. The day was concluded with a barbeque ‘getting to know each other’ for the two intern groups and a game of volleyball in the beach area. The Dresden trip was concluded the following day with a historical horse tram tour of the city.
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18.06.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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STEP Interns visit Dornier Consulting GmbH
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On 13th June 2008 the eight STEP interns based in Stuttgart visited Dornier Consulting GmbH in Immenstaad near Lake Constance (Bodensee) in southern Germany. Dornier Consulting is participating for the first time in the Students Experience Programme (STEP) and is presently hosting 3 interns from South Africa – Emilia Prozesky (logistics), Kabelo Mokwena (finance/controlling) and Kagiso Hlabahlaba (IT). These three young students have been given the opportunity to work for Dornier Consulting at various locations in Germany to expand their knowledge and skills in particular positions for their future professional lives.
Dornier Consulting GmbH (www.dornier-consulting.com) is an internationally recognised consulting and project management company for traffic, transport, automotive, aerospace/security and the water/renewable energy. Besides the sites in Berlin, Munich, Sindelfingen, Darmstadt, Stuttgart and Abuh Dhabi it has project offices in Frankfurt, Rhyad, Moscow and Khartoum. Dornier Consulting currently manages more than 100 projects in 25 countries with an investment volume of approx. € 30 billion.
After being welcomed by Ms Sandra Schapler who coordinates the STEP internships at Dornier Consulting, the STEP interns met the President/CEO, Mr Herbert Grünwald, who gave a detailed presentation on the company and talked to the interns about the specific projects which Dornier Consulting are currently managing in southern Africa.
Afterwards, the STEP interns were given the opportunity to visit EADS (European Aeronautic Defence Space) where there were not only given a fascinating guided tour of the “TransHospital” (mobile field hospital) maintenance area but also the assembly area for the Astrium satellites.
The day at Lake Constance was rounded off with a visit to the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen which presents the world’s greatest repository of objects on the history of airship flight and technology, ranging from its very beginning up to the new Zeppelin NT.
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14.05.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Melinda Thangavaloo
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STEP intern Melinda Thangavaloo from South Africa talks about her internship
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I´m Melinda Thangavaloo and I come from Durban, South Africa. I graduated with my B.com; specializing in Management and Economics, from the University of Pune, India. I’m currently completing my internship at Daimler AG, Stuttgart within the Finance and Controlling Department.
My stay in Germany thus far has proved to be spontaneous and exciting. My eyes were opened to new and different experiences which have helped to grow socially and professionally. The knowledge which I have gained thus far from my supervisor and colleagues at Daimler is certainly taking me a step closer to my dream job. Most important to me is the good team spirit and the informative meetings which help to get the job done punctually and effectively. My tasks and responsibilities at work have allowed me to network with a large number of colleagues locally and internationally, thereby helping me gain a greater insight of the working environment.
I aspire to give back and share the knowledge and experience which I will attain in Germany with my fellow countrymen and women. I am also looking forward to learning much more within the next few months and intend to make the best of this lifetime working experience.
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20.03.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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The sixth group of STEP interns arrived in Germany on 1st March 2008
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On 1st March 2008 the sixth group of STEP participants arrived in Stuttgart to start their 6-month internships at Daimler AG in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen, Dornier Consulting GmbH in Sindelfingen and Friedrichshafen and Sommer Corporate Media GmbH & Co. KG in Waiblingen. The 10 STEP interns come from Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia and South Africa and are carrying out their internships in the areas of finance, controlling, logistics, IT, sales & marketing, engineering and project management.
This is the first time that a student or graduate from Botswana has been selected to take part in STEP. Mr Monametsi Tau comes from Gaborone and is working in project management at Sommer Corporate Media.
The SAFRI office is pleased to welcome Dornier Consulting GmbH to the STEP project. Dornier Consulting is hosting three interns from South Africa: Kagiso Hlabahlaba, Kabelo Mokwena and Emilia Prozesky.
Besides gaining valuable work experience and acquiring specific competencies for their future careers, the STEP interns receive regular German language training and through a support programme they get to know more about German business, history, geography, economics, politics and culture.
The STEP participants in the photo are (from left to right): Emilia Prozesky (South Africa), Melinda Thangavaloo (South Africa), Kagiso Hlabahlaba (South Africa), Johnnata Santatra Andriambahoaka (Madagascar), Rauna Nghishekwa (Namibia), Kabelo Mokwena (South Africa), Haingo Sariaka Rasendramahavalisoa (Madagascar), Llewellyn Rudman (South Africa), Monametsi Tau (Botswana) and Annely Angula (Namibia).
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19.03.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI Office
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Autor:
Joanne Dittrich
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Students from Madagascar successfully complete their STEP internships at Daimler AG
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Fela Razafiarison and Zafindramonjy Hanjarisoa Tsitohaina have successfully completed their four-month internships at Daimler AG. Fela and Hanja arrived in German on 1st November 2007 and were the first interns from Madagascar to take part in the Students Experience Programme (STEP). On 26th February 2008 the project leader, Matthias Kleinert presented the interns with their STEP certificates in the presence of their supervisors and hosts from their respective departments. The photo shows (from left to right): Hermann Bruhn (Daimler AG), Joanne Dittrich (STEP Project Coordinator), Zafindramonjy Hanjarisoa Tsitohaina, Dierk Lesti (Daimler AG), Matthias Kleinert (STEP Project Manager), Mr Ulrich Sihler (Daimler AG), Fela Razafiarison, Catherine Blanc (Daimler AG).
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06.02.2008
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Quelle:
SAFRI-Büro
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Autor:
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STEP students meet H.E. A. Ralison and H.E. Dr. Jean-Louis Robinson in Berlin
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Fela Razafiarison and Zafindramonjy Hanjarisoa Tsitohaina,
the first students from Madagascar to take part in the Students
Experience Programme (STEP), were honoured to be invited to the the
New Year´s celebration of the Embassy of Madagascar in Berlin on
27th January 2008. There they met H.E. Alphonse Ralison, Ambassador of
Madagascar, and H.E. Jean-Louis Robinson, Minister of Health in Madagascar.
Both students are carrying out four-month internships at Daimler AG
in Stuttgart. Fela is working in the finance and controlling area whilst Hanja is working in sales & marketing.
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14.11.2007
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Quelle:
SAFRI-Büro
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Autor:
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Students from Madagascar are taking part in the Students Experience Programme (STEP)
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For the first time students from Madagascar are taking part in the Students Experience Programme (STEP). Fela Razafiarison and Hanja Tsitohaina from Antanarivo arrived in Germany on 1st November to begin their four-month internships at Daimler AG in Stuttgart. Fela is working in the finance and controlling area whilst Hanja is working in sales & marketing. Besides gaining invaluable practical experience in German business life, they will also be learning the German language and gain an insight into the history, culture and politics of Germany.
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10.10.2007
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Quelle:
SAFRI-Büro
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Autor:
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STEP-Programme
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The application period for STEP spring 2008 is now closed.
More information on how to apply for fall 2008 will follow in due time.
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