Activities 1983-1994
From the first initiatives in the 1980s to the acquisition of the plot in 1983, the construction of the building in 1987 to the estabishment of the foundation in 1993. A time full of challenges!
1994
AfricAvenir Förderverein e.V.
In December, the AfricAvenir Förderverein e.V. is created in Berlin to support the work of AfricAvenir in Douala.
Feasibility Study on Printing House
In September, a feasibility study is presented on a modern printing house of AfricAvenir.
Ph.D. Program
In October 1994, AfricAvenir's Ph.D. program for the training of 10 Africans in Development Efficiency of International Cooperation, Appropriate Technology, Peace Management and Conflict Prevention is launched. Scholarships are offered to young Africans for post-graduate specialisation studies in these fields. The program is designed to train and integrate these scholars into the work of AfricAvenir (especially after their specialisation).
Long-Term Cooperation with Ökomenisches Studienwerk Bochum
An agreement for a long-term cooperation is signed between AfricAvenir and Ökumenisches Studienwerk Bochum for the granting of Ph.D. scholarships. In October 1997, the agreement was re-inforced by the visit of the Director of Ökumenisches Studienwerk of AfricAvenir.
Printing Unit
In April, the first offset-printing machine TOK-Heidelberg arrives at AfricAvenir for the printing unit.
Development Efficiency
Prof. Kum' a Ndumbe III creates a Research Unit at the Political Science Department of the Free University of Berlin, Germany, on "Development Efficiency of International Cooperation with African Countries" with particular attention to the civil and traditional society. Scholarship holders of AfricAvenir are trained in the framework of this unit.
1993
Evaluation of Development Cooperation
Between September 1993 and November 1994, an AfricAvenir team under the head of Prof. Kum' a Ndumbe III evaluated the "Development Cooperation with African NGOs the Land of Hessen". The evaluation was commissioned by the Land of Hessen, Germany.
Creation of the AfricAvenir Foundation
In May 1993, the Foundation for Development, International Cooperation and Peace is created in Douala, including the Centre for Creation and Research and the Institute for Development, International Cooperation and Peace.
Partnership with Weltladen Kasselk
A close collaboration is started between AfricAvenir and the Weltladen Kassel.
Cameroon's International Relations
Augustin Dibengue publihes "Cameroon's Relations to France and to the Federal Republic of Germany from 1960 to the Early 1980s - A Comparative Study".
1992
Election Monitoring
A computer-supported information unit is set up by AfricAvenir in order to monitor the first multiparty elections after the abolition of the one party system. Various groups of citizens, including journalists and military officials, came to get their information in AfricAvenir. The consequence of this independent election monitoring, however, was a repressive action against the work of AfricAvenir.
First European Internee
Stefan Jansen of the Free University of Berlin was the first German student to do a six months internship at AfricAvenir. [read his internship report]
Exhibition
Exhibition by Mrs. Victorine Tiberghien.
First Handicraft Exhibition
The first handicraft exhibition is organised at AfricAvenir.
Civil Society Forum
After the legalisation of several political parties, some of them started using the AfricAvenir facilities for their meetings, workshops and seminars. Other groups like elders, women, youth and theatre groups did the same.
Launch of Cheikh Anta Diop Library
The Cheikh Anta Diop Library is created with some 5000 volumes.
1991
First Publishing Program
A 12 series publishing program is set up with a team of 58 participants.
Internship Program
An Internship Program for foreign students is presented in June 1991.
Author Autograph Session
In Mai 1991, Kum' a Ndumbe III and Jean-Yves Loude sign their common publication "Dialogue en noir et blanc" at AfricAvenir.
Art Exhibition
Exhibition of the young and promising painter Mongo Same at AfricAvenir.
Literary Price & Publication Launch
Official Publication launch of the Grand Prix Littéraire APEC 1990 in which several authors reflect on the global and African water problematic.
Author Autograph Session
In March 1991, Ebenezer Njoh Mouelle, Secretary General of the RDPC (sole party at that time in Cameroon) signed his book: "De la médiocrité à l'excellence"
Feasibility Study Presented
A detailed feasability study is presented by N. Salomon on "Institution Building - The AfricAvenir Creation and Research Centre".
1990
Partnership with Kolpingwerk
An agreement is signed between Kolpingwerk and AfricAvenir for the establishment of the printing unit.
Official Lauch of AfricAvenir
May 1990 witnesses the official launching of AfricAvenir in Douala with a newspapers sales outlet stocking some 120 national and international newspapers and reviews.
AfricAvenir Presentation
The long term investment project of AfricAvenir is presented in Douala under the title: "Improve development through scientific research, training, cultural renaissance and public debates".
1989
First AfricAvenir General Concept
The first general concept of the research and training "Institute for Development and International Cooperation in Africa" is presented in a 12-pages project by Prof. Kum' a Ndumbe III.
AfricAvenir Offices Added
Seven offices of 50 m² are added to the main hall.
Principles of German Africa Policy
Kum' a Ndumbe III publishes "Was will Bonn in Afrika" (Principles of German Africa Policy.
1986
Construction of AfricAvenir
The AfricAvenir Hall of 2300 m² is completed.
1985
Publishing House
The publishing house takes off with the publication of Hubert Mono Ndjana's "Voyage en Corée - Récit de voyage", Kum' a Ndumbe III's "L'Afrique relève le défi - Pour un partage communautaire moderne" and books of the APEC Young Authors Price 1986: Narcisse Mouelle Kombi II, Maurice Kamto and Kuété Jean Marc.
1983
Plot Acquisition
Acquisition of a 2100 m² plot in Douala, Cameroon