In Austria, we have a saying:
“You have to celebrate when there’s something to celebrate.”
This year, we had two wonderful reasons to do just that. On October 1st, 2025, we marked our annual Ubuntu Day — and joined Weltladen Josefstadt “Die Lerche” in celebrating their two-year anniversary.
Two Anniversaries, One Spirit of Togetherness
What began as a recent partnership between City of Ubuntu and Die Lerche quickly turned into what can only be described as love at first sight. We share the same heartbeat — a commitment to fair cooperation, global solidarity, and respectful partnerships. It truly felt like a match made in heaven.
A Space Transformed – and Filled with Ubuntu
For the occasion, the world shop was lovingly cleared out and transformed into a welcoming venue that soon overflowed with friends, supporters, and curious visitors from both Weltladen and City of Ubuntu. Among the guests was District Head Martin Fabisch, who, after a warm welcome from Claudia Stoll of Weltladen Die Lerche, praised the partnership as a wonderful example of cooperation between local initiatives in the Josefstadt district.
On behalf of City of Ubuntu, our chairperson Jean de Dieu Tagne opened the event with a brief introduction to our still-young organization — which, by the way, also turned two this year!
Looking Back: Two Years of Growth and Connection
The Ubuntu team took the opportunity to reflect on the past year’s milestones. Two board members who spent six months in Cameroon shared inspiring updates on building our local Ubuntu team, expanding agricultural and educational projects, and deepening partnerships with organizations on the ground.
In Austria, our highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Ubuntu Journey 2025 — a joint trip through Cameroon with participants from both Austria and Cameroon. We also gave a guest lecture at the Archdiocese of Vienna and took part in several public events that helped spread Ubuntu’s message of unity and mutual respect.
Ubuntu in Dialogue – Reflections that Inspire
The heart of the evening was our panel discussion: “Ubuntu in Dialogue – African Perspectives, Insights for a Shared Future.”
Moderated by Antonia Pawel, the conversation brought together participants from the Ubuntu Journeys of 2022 (Theresa), 2024 (Magdalena), and 2025 (Rainer), who shared their experiences and discussed key questions with our Cameroonian colleagues:
- What can Europeans learn from Africa?
- How has your view of Africa changed since your journey?
The responses were thought-provoking and sincere — touching on themes like respect for nature, cultural richness, and the meaning of so-called “development aid.” The audience, too, contributed valuable insights and questions. We could have continued the discussion for hours.
Music, Food, and the Ubuntu Spirit
To round off the evening, Adama Dicko and his band Seno Blues filled the room with world music that got everyone moving. An international buffet with Austrian, African, and South American delicacies brought people together around shared tables — laughter, dancing, and conversation carried the evening well into the night.
It was a celebration of Ubuntu in its truest sense: I am because we are.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Our heartfelt thanks go to Claudia Stoll and the team at Weltladen Die Lerche for their wonderful collaboration and hospitality. Ubuntu Day 2025 reminded us once again how powerful community can be when people come together with open hearts and shared purpose.
We’re already looking forward to our next joint event — and to all the new connections that the Ubuntu spirit will bring in the year ahead.
