Personal encounters, motivated guests, and inspiring discussions: around 80 members, active participants, supporters, and long-standing companions attended the Dentists for Africa anniversary meeting from October 11 to 13. Under the motto “25 Years of Dentists for Africa – Perspectives for a Sustainable Future,” this year’s annual meeting took place at the State Dental Association in Erfurt. The Kenyan board members of Dentists for Africa also joined digitally and had their say. In addition, guests of honor praised the work of the association, and project managers and volunteers presented the projects. Long-standing colleagues recalled milestones in the organization’s history. In a panel discussion, current concepts and best practice examples of international development partnerships were presented. Once again, it was clear that all those involved in Dentists for Africa have achieved so much together and want to continue to do so.
Our guest of honor from Kenya, Sister Seraphine, confirmed: “Through our work, we bring smiles to the faces of orphans and give them a future.” As the long-standing head of the sponsorship project, she knows the needs of the local people. Sister Seraphine reminded us that every little bit of commitment makes a difference.
Appreciation by guests of honor
Dr. Christian Junge, President of the Thuringian Dental Association, who has supported the work of DfA for many years, also had some special words to say. In his welcoming address at the ceremony, he praised the commitment of the members and congratulated them on the organization’s success story. 
Also in attendance was Thuringia’s Minister of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Women, and Family, Heike Werner. She praised DfA for strengthening women’s rights and stabilizing the social and economic situation in Kenya. “Dentists for Africa makes a valuable contribution to global justice and shows what commitment and solidarity can achieve.” In an emotional speech, Brother Peter Amendt offered words of motivation. It was through him that contact with the Kenyan project partners was established 25 years ago.
Insights into current projects and outlooks
Katja Jüngst, Executive Director of the Aumund Foundation, together with Dr. Isa Rait, presented the impressive construction project, the boarding school in Koliech. During the evening panel discussion, this served as inspiration for project work on an international level. 
Numerous young volunteers who had just returned from a mission in Kenya also provided refreshing insights into their commitment and questions about future work.
Emotional moments at the general meeting
The afternoon’s general meeting was an emotional affair. After many years of loyal service on the board, Dr. Dieter Bolten and Deputy Chairman Dr. Bernd Benedix stepped down at their own request. The same was true for Sigrun Rittrich, who was unfortunately unable to attend. Founder Dr. Hans-Joachim Schinkel thanked them for their tremendous commitment. When Dr. Bolten was subsequently elected as an honorary member, the entire hall rose to applaud – standing ovations and shining eyes! It was a moving highlight, followed by a laudatory speech in which Dr. Peter Dierck and Dr. Bolten also honored Dr. Hans-Joachim Schinkel and Dr. Ute Schinkel for their tireless efforts in making the DfA what it is today.
The weekend together came to an end with a prayer service in the impressive St. Michael’s Church and an exciting tour of Petersberg Fortress. The anniversary meeting shows that Dentists for Africa has achieved a great deal, but that the work remains an ongoing process: together, we want to continue to transfer responsibility to Kenya. Together, we create hope and opportunities.
Would you like to get actively involved in the work of Dentists for Africa? We are currently looking for committed colleagues for our projects who would like to work and help shape them from Germany! A motivated and friendly team of volunteers and staff is looking forward to hearing from you. Get in touch with us.