Malawi in the focus of the Vesperkirche

A film, panel discussion, music and games focused on an ELM project in Malawi.

For ten days every year in September, the Nordstadt church community invites you to the Vesperkirche. This year, the Vesperkirche took place from 13 to 22 September from 16:30 in the Lutherkirche/Nordstadt. The aim is to bring people together and talk to each other over a delicious meal and to take part in an evening programme. "Whether young or old, lonely or together, rich or poor - everyone is welcome," say the organisers. Around 400 people come to the church every day.

On 17 September, the evening programme was organised by the ELM. Under the title "One world. One climate. - What connects Hanover with Malawi?" around 50 guests came together. Two large screens showed the 20-minute documentary film "Beni Youth. A village defends itself against climate change". The film, produced by Berlin filmmakers Philipp Seifert and Raphael Schanz on behalf of the ELM, portrays three young people from Malawi who, as farmers, are confronted with the consequences of the climate crisis and are adapting to these changes with the help of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi, a partner church of the ELM.

Visibly moved by the impressions of the film, three panellists then discussed the topic of the evening. Dr Emmanuel Kileo, Director of the ELM, confirmed that many farmers in the East African region are massively threatened by extreme weather conditions and changes in rain patterns. The churches are already committed to climate protection and justice, but need to intensify their efforts. Mmakhutso Aphane from Eswatini, who is currently doing voluntary service in Germany through the ELM, reported on the growing interest of young people in alternative and sustainable farming methods in her country. Marion Köther from the Sustainability Office of the City of Hanover shared experiences from the work of the long-standing city partnership with Blantyre in Malawi. Climate and environmental protection would also play an increasing role here, for example in projects with schools.

A bingo game on the topic of sustainability - with fair trade products as prizes - and music by percussionist Kaveh Madadi rounded off the evening.