28 June: This is your Captain speaking…

An original farewell speech just before take-off…

Lumbani Wellani, the youth coordinator at our Malawian partner church, gave a short, original and heartfelt speech for us today on the bus as we said our goodbyes:

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking…

We have officially reached the end of the International Gender Summer Academy. Local time is ‘time to go home’, and the atmosphere outside is a mix of excitement, hugs and people pretending they won’t miss each other.

Before leaving the aircraft, please ensure you collect all your personal belongings, including your suitcase, charger, water bottle and, most importantly, all the brilliant ideas, friendships and confidence you’ve gained during this journey. Any dancing skills, inside jokes or questionable singing talents acquired during the academy are yours to keep.

As you make your way to the exit, please remember that the Gender Summer Academy team cannot be held responsible for sudden urges to launch community projects, challenge stereotypes, or greet strangers from five different countries.

We wish you smooth check-ins, no excess baggage fees, and immigration officers who smile. For everyone else, may your journey home be safe and your stories about this week become just a little more dramatic each time you tell them.

Thank you for flying with the International Gender Summer Academy. It has been our absolute pleasure to have you on board.

We hope to welcome you on another flight soon. Until then, keep your minds open, your hearts kind, and your passports ready.

 

And here is the translation:

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking …

We have officially landed at the end of the International Gender Summer Academy. The local time is: ‘Time to go home’, and the weather outside is a mix of anticipation, hugs and people pretending they won’t miss each other.

Before you leave the aircraft, please ensure you take all your personal belongings with you – including your suitcase, charger, water bottle and, above all, all the brilliant ideas, friendships and self-confidence you’ve gathered on this journey. You are, of course, welcome to keep any dancing skills, inside jokes or questionable singing talents you’ve acquired during the Academy.

As you make your way to the exit, please bear in mind: the Gender Summer Academy team accepts no responsibility for any sudden urges to launch community projects, challenge stereotypes or greet strangers from five different countries.

We wish you hassle-free check-ins, no excess baggage charges and immigration officers with a smile. To everyone else, we wish you a safe journey home – and may your stories about this week become just a little bit more dramatic with every retelling.

Thank you very much for flying with the International Gender Summer Academy. It has been a great pleasure to have you on board.

We hope to welcome you back on another flight soon. Until then: keep an open mind, a kind heart and your passport to hand.

27 June: Step by step

What happens after the academy?

Men: Which aspects of gender equality – or inequality – affect men? The participants explored this question this morning, led by Lindiwe Maseko. At all levels – local, regional and international – there are stakeholders working on gender equality. Lilana Kasper highlighted this to the participants during her workshop.

All good things must come to an end …
What happens next?

Today marks the final day of the Gender Summer Academy. The participants have been inspired by the programme. One participant said: “It’s like a fire that’s burning. But what happens to the embers when they’re scattered?” The final session focused precisely on this question. How can we move forward? How can we continue to work together despite the great distance? Perhaps we could write a blog together or carry on working in a messaging group? How can we continue to exchange ideas and support one another with our daily challenges? Time will tell whether these ideas bear fruit.

In the evening, we celebrated Holy Communion together. This was followed by dinner, and all participants received a certificate of attendance. Tomorrow, most of the group will be heading home. Some won’t be flying until Monday.

Excellent organisation, wonderful hospitality and a great group. We’d like to thank everyone who supported us.

And as is always the case with a trip, we’re looking forward to being back home, whilst at the same time feeling a little sad that the group is going its separate ways and the trip is over.

26 June: Off the beaten track

A day we won’t forget in a hurry.

In the morning, Candela Nadalin from Argentina led a Bible study, whilst Diana Krause ran a workshop on the topic of ‘How lay preachers can address gender equality’.

In the afternoon, we travelled to the village of Nniwu. Nniwu is a village with many small brick houses. The people there are poor. There is no electricity, no running water and no sewage system. In the centre of the village is a large square with a tree. There is also a water pump, which was funded by the ELM.

When we arrived in the village by bus, people flocked towards us and welcomed us. They then showed us the results of a gender project that the ELCM is carrying out in the village. For example, the men have learnt to cook and the women to sew – activities that were previously the preserve of men.

The visit to the village moved us all deeply. “It made me sad to see the conditions in which people can live,” said one of the participants, reflecting on the day. Another added: “For us white, well-off people, it’s a completely different world – there’s quite a big gap between our worlds.”

We were impressed by the people’s zest for life. “They show their joy even though they have to face so many challenges.” Bertha Munkhondya from the ELCM said: “It’s a tough place. Because God loves us, we stay there.”

25 June: Under the palm trees

A surprise for the participants at the Gender Summer School

Today we travelled by coach to Lake Malawi. The journey, which took about two hours, gave us a glimpse of the country and gave us the chance to let what we’d heard so far sink in a bit.

On our way to the lake, we travelled along one of Malawi’s main roads and passed through the town of Salima. Malawi has very few roads that are large enough to be marked on a map. Most places cannot be reached via major roads and, for us, were only visible from a distance – if at all.

Life along the road is characterised by trade and transport. We saw numerous stalls selling agricultural produce and handicrafts, as well as markets, food stalls and workshops. We also spotted churches, mosques and herds of cattle. Football also seems to be very popular in Malawi. On our return journey later that afternoon, we passed several busy football pitches. It was striking to see how much charcoal was being transported along the roads. As trees are very important to Malawi, this gives us pause for thought. Trees are good for the climate, provide shade and help prevent soil erosion. We also passed a large solar power plant.

At Lake Malawi, a holiday resort with a beach and coconut palms awaited us. This South Sea atmosphere stood in stark contrast to our other impressions of Malawi. We really enjoyed this little break.

Tomorrow’s programme includes a Bible study and a workshop. In the afternoon, we’ll visit two projects supported by the ELM. Then we’ll also get to know places off the main roads.

24 June: Engaging workshops, a Bible study and a walk

Ethiopia – Argentina – Germany – India

We’ve now settled into a certain routine, as we’ve had a fixed daily schedule for the seminar for the past three days. In the mornings, we start with a Bible study, followed by three workshops. Both the Bible study and the workshops include interactive elements. The discussions that arise are lively. It is clear that the issue of gender equality is close to the hearts of all participants.

The workshops

Bereket Abebe told us about projects promoting gender justice within the Ethiopian Church. One key focus was on women’s land rights in Ethiopia. Using a traditional bedtime story, she also showed us how patriarchy is passed down from generation to generation.

Candela Nadalin from Argentina spoke about young people’s perspectives on the issue of gender equality. She focused in particular on the generation born between 1995 and 2000. She concluded by asking us what hopes we associate with young people when it comes to gender equality. Why not give this question some thought yourself?

Nicole Grenz from Germany led us in a meditation on a case of gender-based violence. It involved an incident that escalated on Christmas Eve within a family. We discussed how we, as friends of the family, might respond.

The Bible study

Kiruba Latha Anand from India led an inspiring Bible study which deeply moved the participants. Drawing on Psalm 139:14, she described how, at the birth of her first child, when she took her daughter in her arms, she was amazed at how small her fingers and toes were, and yet how wonderfully made. She reminded us that we are all unique – women and men – different, yet equal. The physical exercise in a circle was also striking: each member of the group was asked to stretch their arms out to the sides without touching their neighbours. The right palm was to face upwards and the left downwards. It was a brief meditation on what we, as unique individuals, can contribute to the group and what we receive in return.

24 June: Our lunch break

A short stroll through a market

Today we went for a short walk during our lunch break. We walked through a market near the church grounds. It was fascinating to look at the little shops and see how much craftsmanship goes into repairing everyday items. There was a shop specialising in car headlights, a shop where radios and lamps are repaired, and a workshop for repairing motorbikes and bicycles.

We got chatting to the people at the bicycle repair shop and were allowed to have a close look at a typical Malawian bicycle. As previously mentioned, people here carry a great many things on their bicycles, such as large quantities of sugar cane and firewood.
What’s more, most bicycles have a luggage rack on which a second person can sit. The luggage racks have handholds and footrests.
Another interesting feature is the brakes. These are completely different to ours and press against the rim from below. They are operated via rods.

23 June: A precedent for gender equality in inheritance law

There is no reason to disadvantage women in the line of succession

The day was characterised by workshops offering different perspectives from South Africa, India, Malawi and Brazil on the topic of gender justice. At the start of the day, participants at the Gender Summer Academy, guided by Lilana Kasper from South Africa, worked on a biblical text (Numbers 27) concerning the inheritance of a man who had only daughters. Machla, Noa, Hogla, Milka and Tirza stood up for their inheritance and set a precedent in inheritance law.

What sound does the dog make?

Does anyone actually go “woof”?

Next, Carmen Michel and Natan de Oliveira Schumann from Brazil gave a presentation. Natan began with an experiment on intercultural dialogue. He asked the international group:

• What sound does a cockerel make?
• What sound does a dog make?
• What sound does a cat make?

It turned out that roosters and dogs sound very different everywhere, whilst cats sound more or less the same everywhere – at least according to the onomatopoeia used by the participants from the various countries. Carmen then spoke about her experiences with gender justice programmes in the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil. For example, as part of a gender justice network, they began preparing short devotions in simple language, which could then be used by various groups within the church.

Thirdly, Lumbani Wellani from Malawi presented young people’s perspective on the issue and called on adults to ensure that adults and society always act as role models for children and young people, so that the right values are instilled in them.

Fourthly, Kiruba Latha Anand explained the complex challenges facing Indian society with regard to gender justice. Issues such as unequal pay, a lack of equal rights for the sexes and forced abortions were raised.

Click here to find out more about the IECLB’s work on gender equality:

22 June: Jesus Christ …

...that was Chichewa

22 June: Our day began today with a devotional in Chichewa. Bertha Munkhondya spoke on Psalm 103:1–4. The devotional takes place every morning at 7.40 am in the church on the grounds.

After breakfast, the Academy participants were welcomed into their offices by Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe and his team. The Gender Summer Academy was officially opened there.

From the North Sea to Lake Malawi

Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe was delighted to receive a North Sea Bible, signed by Bishop Ralf Meister (Hanover Regional Church) and featuring illustrations by Hermann Buß, which was presented to him by Susanne Paul from the Evangelical Women’s* Group of the Evangelical Lutheran Regional Church of Hanover.

Following the opening of the Gender Summer Academy, the first workshop on gender inequalities in working life began.

This was followed by a Bible study session. Bible study sessions are a regular feature of every day at the Gender Summer Academy.

 

“All are equal before God” (Galatians 3:28) …

… that was English

Bertha Munkhondya then led a Bible study on the theme ‘Everyone is equal before God!’

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

Later that afternoon, Lindiwe Maseko introduced us to an academic perspective on gender justice and concluded by setting the participants some practical questions and tasks based on 2 Samuel 13:1–22. The text deals with sexual violence within a ruling family.

A mecca for aquarists and fish lovers

For dinner, it was a maritime affair for the second time since the North Sea Bible: we had fish. Malawi is known for the rich variety of species and fish in Lake Malawi.

We are really enjoying the excellent cuisine provided by the Malawian church, which serves us three hot meals every day.

Tired but with many new thoughts, we bring this day to a close and look forward to tomorrow.

 

 

21 June: Bishop Bvumbwe lays the foundation stone for a new church in Area 25

A goat, a motorbike and lots of music

On Sunday morning, some of our group travelled to Area 25 for a church service to celebrate the laying of the foundation stone for a new church. But it wasn’t just us who went there; the bishop, his wife, the brass band and the choir were there too.

We travelled in a church minibus, driving along both wide tarmac roads and narrow sandy tracks. In places, the roads are very narrow; the vehicle touches the ground and the other vehicles are not particularly far away.

On arriving in Area 25, we first met with the bishop, other church leaders and the leaders of the new church being built. After a brief welcome, we made our way to the site of the new church. Three tents had been erected on the still-unbuilt site of the new church, under which the visitors could take their seats.

Accompanied by plenty of music from the brass band, various choirs and dance performances, the service began. The highlight of the service was the laying of the foundation stone for the new church in Area 25. In addition, the congregation’s new pastor was presented with a motorbike, and the bishop also received a few gifts – including a goat.

In 2009, the Area 25 congregation expressed a desire for their own church and have now managed to acquire a plot of land.
The service was an exciting experience for us, but just as long as it was exciting.

Upon our return to the church grounds, we were welcomed at a large concert in the Luther Hall on the church grounds. Several choirs, dancers and the brass band welcomed us. Bishop Bvumbwe gave a speech.

The song ‘Feel at Home’ was dedicated to us.

After a long day, we are looking forward to the evening and the start of the Gender Summer Academy’s programme. A different kind of longest day of the year – 21 June 2026.

20 June: The planning team is now complete

Let’s get to work

Susanne Paul from the team of the Protestant Women’s* Organisation of the Regional Church of Hanover, Bertha Munkhondya from the ELCM, Gabriele De Bona from the ELM and Carmen Michel from the IECLB spent the morning finalising the programme for the Gender Summer Academy on the topic of gender equality and dividing up the facilitation of the individual days and workshops amongst themselves.
The academy will feature workshops and Bible studies. The group will also visit two projects and go on an excursion to Lake Malawi.
The programme will begin and end with Sunday services.

We’re looking forward to an international exchange!

Three more participants arrived in the evening. But more on that in the next blog post.

We listen to music all day long:

20 June: The church brass band and choir are practising

This Saturday, a brass band and a choir were practising on the church grounds and inside the church. Many musicians, particularly young ones, were playing music. We were invited to listen for a while. We are now very much looking forward to their performance at tomorrow’s service.
The members of the brass band told us that they have more young talents than instruments and regret this shortage. The music was very cheerful nonetheless.

Where are we, actually?

A city tour on the church bus

In the afternoon, we went on a trip into town. We drove first to the government district and then through various neighbourhoods to the old town, where there was a sort of roadside market. Whilst the government district was completely deserted that Saturday, the rest of the town was bustling with activity.

The Black Missionaries and the Blackout
What can happen in a supermarket car park

At the end of our city tour, we drove to a shopping centre. As we were stowing our shopping in the car, we happened to hear music by the reggae band ‘The Black Missionaries’, who were giving a concert right next to the shopping centre. The band’s name is, of course, rather intriguing. We couldn’t find out why the band is called that. Unfortunately, though, the music soon came to an end and everything went dark – there was a power cut, or rather several in quick succession, and the whole area around the car park was plunged into darkness for a short while; it suddenly went very quiet. After a short while, the lights came back on and the band started playing again.

19 June – Part 2: Feel at home

A warm welcome and a joyful reunion.

Yesterday, in the early afternoon, the moment had finally arrived: we landed at Lilongwe Airport. The airport is considerably smaller than those in Frankfurt or Addis Ababa. Nevertheless, we had to go through all the necessary steps for entering the country.

Once we’d finally got that sorted, we were at last in Malawi, and our next little adventure began: the journey by minibus to the church grounds. This gave us our first impressions of the country, which was very exciting.
As is customary here, we set off driving on the left-hand side of the road – although there is no central reservation. So we drove on the left, sharing the road with other cars, bicycles, mopeds and pedestrians. It’s astonishing to see two people sharing a scooter with a double mattress and a floor lamp. Overall, goods transport here is completely different to what we’re used to: huge loads and items are carried on very small vehicles. A cargo bike here means something completely different to what we’re used to.
But it wasn’t just the vehicles that were fascinating. It’s also interesting to see how many people are trying to sell things by the roadside and what’s on offer. Fried mice, for example, seem to be a delicacy. These were being sold on skewers. You could also buy chickens, all sorts of second-hand car parts, as well as fresh and other fruit. We eventually decided to pop into a small supermarket and buy a few bottles of water for ourselves. We then drove to the church grounds, where we were warmly welcomed by Bertha Munkhondya (pastor and general secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi).

The grounds and the rooms are very lovely. Everyone has their own small room with a small bathroom. The houses are built of brick and there are small green spaces between them. There is also a church and other buildings belonging to the Malawian church on the grounds. We are experiencing wonderful hospitality – … feel yourself at home!

After settling into our rooms and taking a short break, we met up with Carmen Michel and Natan de Oliveira Schumann – the delegation from our Brazilian ELM partner church who had just arrived – and enjoyed a delicious, freshly cooked meal together.

Tired, with full stomachs and even more new impressions, we then went to bed – full of anticipation and a touch of homesickness. Thanks to meticulous mosquito protection – usually involving two mosquito nets – the night passed peacefully.

To be continued: The next blog post will cover the first planning meeting, a choir and a trombone band, and tentative explorations around Lilongwe.

18 and 19 June: Just before the equator

Tired but full of anticipation

Yesterday, our tour group set off for Malawi. We are the participants from Germany. Our first flight took us from Frankfurt to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and from there we’ll take a connecting flight to Lilongwe. We’re currently just outside Nairobi and therefore also just outside the equator.

Whilst the people at Hanover Central Station still seemed very familiar to us, we’re now realising how, bit by bit, we’re moving further and further away from home. Whilst there were still plenty of Germans on the first flight, we may now be the only ones. It’s becoming increasingly international and, of course, the landscape is changing too.

Tiredness – and perhaps a touch of shyness – is stopping us from striking up a conversation with the people on either side of us, so we can only guess at the reasons for the journeys of those sitting next to us. Even the tried-and-tested train passenger question – “
” – doesn’t necessarily work on a plane. “No, I’m getting off before then” would, after all, be an awkward answer.

That’s why we’re all the more delighted to be joining the participants from the other countries at the Gender Summer Academy and to be able to exchange ideas with them. The group from Brazil is already on the plane too.

On gender and racism

Alongside general discussions on malaria prevention and exchanging money, there was also an in-depth focus on gender issues – for example: How can fathers be encouraged to take part in church activities? Should programmes be aimed more at fathers with children or fathers with sons?
Questions also arose regarding the intercultural context of such a long journey: How do gender roles differ across cultures? What does racism actually mean?

For our geography enthusiasts, just south of the equator:
What’s the name of this mountain?

Suddenly, something interesting happens: we’re flying above the clouds (though with such limited legroom, you can’t really call it boundless freedom). And above these clouds, two mountain peaks appear. The display screen mentions something about the Serengeti. This leads us to ask: have we seen Kilimanjaro?

But we’re even more interested in this: what’s Malawi like? It won’t be another hour before we find out. What will we experience on the way from the airport to our Malawian partner church? We’re also looking forward to seeing Bertha.

Malawi – is it warmer there than it is here at the moment?

18 June 2026: The journey begins now

Hi everyone, our journey to Malawi for the Gender Summer Academy is about to begin. We’re looking forward to the exciting time ahead of us. We’ll be talking to people from the ELM’s partner churches about gender justice and getting to know the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM). We’re particularly looking forward to meeting Reverend Bertha Munkhondya from the ELCM. I wonder if it’s warmer in Malawi than it is here at the moment? A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO IS SUPPORTING US AT HOME AND ALONG THE WAY!

3 days without sleep!

16 June 2026: It all kicks off in two days!

Cats are always a good subject, hence the lovely photo above. On Thursday, the German delegation is off to Malawi. The journey takes less than three days, but a day and a half nonetheless. We’re looking forward to it. Here are the reports.