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The Association

Our history – our goal

The German-Guinean Society (Bissau) e.V. is a group of friends centred around the musician and sportsman Carlos Robalo, who was born in Bissau and lived in Cologne for over thirty years. Together with many friends and supporters, we built a school in Guinea-Bissau.

After the devastating civil war of 1998/99, Carlos told us about the extent of the destruction in his homeland – and about a small school in a village called Ilondé, which he had once attended himself and which was now in ruins.

In 2001, we founded a non-profit organisation with the aim of enabling the children of Ilondé to go back to school. Carlos‘ father, Victor Robalo, provided us with a large piece of land for this purpose. After we had gained an accurate impression of the situation on the ground, we began building the “School for Bissau” in July 2004.

Since then, we have gradually expanded the complex and now maintain a fully-fledged primary school with six grades, as well as a secondary school for grades seven to nine.

For us, school education involves more than just teaching subjects such as Portuguese, mathematics, chemistry or social studies. Art, music and sport are designed to foster creativity and self-confidence, while completing community work around the school, such as cleaning the grounds, preparing festivals or taking care of the school garden, strengthens solidarity and a sense of responsibility. Parents are also invited to participate and have a say. Our ‘School for Bissau’ supports the development of an entire region.

The Team

Raoul Mörchen

The boss never loses sight of the big picture. He tirelessly manages the affairs of our association, not only in Cologne but also in Guinea-Bissau. He holds the record for visits to our school, which is also reflected in the loud bawling of the students when he enters the school grounds: Raouuuuuuuul!

Max von Velsen

The deputy. We have to have one, we’re an association! Otherwise, we don’t care about titles. Max studied communication design, his job is marketing, he takes care of everything visual and is a real go-getter.

Werner Sundermann

Every euro donated goes through him. He doesn’t just take care of the finances and taxes. If we ever have any problems, he’s our man. The retired lawyer will sort it out.

Jochen Stockdreher

He knows the score. With unwavering calm, he sifts through the confusion of the institutions in search of donation pots. The former financial advisor is tough and never gives up.

Kirsten Nepstad

Always has a plan. She was there for the first trip to Guinea-Bissau to get a first-hand impression of the situation on the ground. She designed the school. She is our architect.

Gerhard von Velsen

Our old hand. He has been with us from the very beginning and, with his experience, is an invaluable discussion partner and visionary. As a former manager, he has the know-how for a company to function.

Claudia von Velsen

The heart and soul of the organisation. The person to contact on any matter. She knows the addresses of all our donors and makes sure we are well fed at our meetings. As a retired graphic designer, she knows how to lay things out.

Desa Philippi

Always there for us, despite Brexit. She supports us from London and makes things possible that seem impossible. As an artist, this is not difficult for her.

Ulrike Westhoff

She is a networker. Not only because she writes our newsletter. The journalist is passionate about bringing things and people together: analogue and digital.

Uwe Skrabs

Always at the forefront of internet developments. He likes to ask the awkward questions that need to be asked. With his agency for media design and online marketing, he takes care of our website and our public image.

A big thank you to our loyal supporters:

Manos Tsangaris, Beate Schüler, Ulrike Seronski, Mike Herting, Andi Hilbig, José Rachid Said, Domingos Sambé

Our Partnerships

Anos cu Mama

An association founded in Bissau in 2024 to promote our school and cultural and social life in the region. Run by alumni and friends. The Creole name means ‘We are one’.

Liceu João XXIII

The Bishopric of Bissau Grammar School. One of the largest and best schools in the country. Our scholarship holders study for their A-levels here.

Academia Tagara

Founded by former professional footballers, the academy uses sport to impart humanistic ideals to young people.
Visit

Escolapias

Brazilian order dedicated to education. It provided crucial support in the construction of our school.
Visit

Africa Action

Africa Action/Deutschland e.V. is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers that is committed to helping people to help themselves in 12 African countries in the areas of health, education and inclusion.
Visit

Smiling Gecko

Smiling Gecko Switzerland (SGS) is an association established under Swiss law that was founded in 2012. It provides direct material and financial support to people in need in Cambodia through sustainable, environmentally and economically sound projects.
Visit

Amílcar Cabral Gesellschaft

Represents the interests of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde in Germany and promotes friendship between the citizens of these countries. Based in Hannover.
Visit

DASP

German Society for the African Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Cologne
Visit

FAQ

Do you want to support the school but still have a few questions? Perhaps we can answer them here:

How does my donation help?
With your donation, you will enable a good education for well over three hundred students. Without the school, there is no reliable teaching in the entire region. And thus no prospect for a better future.
How does my donation reach the school?
We are a small organisation, and all our members work on a voluntary basis. Every euro you donate goes directly to the school in Bissau.
Will I receive a donation receipt?
For donations of €300 or more, you will automatically receive a donation receipt from us at the beginning of each year. Please provide us with your email address or postal address. For donations of up to €200, a copy of the transfer or your bank statement is sufficient for the tax office. Help us save on postage costs!
How can I keep up to date with the school?
Subscribe to our newsletter! Once a quarter, we will send you news and pictures of the students, information about the activities of our association and updates on future projects.
Do you have any further questions?

Then send us an e-mail!