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Felix is currently in the final semester of his master's degree in industrial engineering at RWTH Aachen University. From his point of view, studying is exactly the phase of life that allows him to participate in social projects and broaden his horizons.
He became aware of the Friends of Botriver mentoring programme through his girlfriend and was immediately enthusiastic about the idea of showing young people from other continents new perspectives. Felix is looking forward to the mutual exchange, inspiring conversations and normal small talk with his mentee.
Felix wants to add a young motivated person to the growing team of Friends of Botriver and thus contribute to the overall development of the mentoring program.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role within Friends of Botriver.
My name is Felix and I am 26 years old. I grew up in Solingen and live in Aachen since I was 18. There I am currently studying industrial engineering in my last semester. From November on I will do my PhD in Controlling at RWTH Aachen University. In my spare time I am a soccer referee and like to take on responsible tasks. I joined the program at the beginning of 2023 as a mentor and am very happy about the experience I have already gained within the project.
What do you enjoy the most about volunteering at FoB?
Personally, I have never had the opportunity to get to know South Africa. At the latest with the World Cup 2010 I got interested in learning more about the country and the culture. Through Friends of Botriver I got the opportunity to learn a lot about the culture and the country. I am very grateful for that. But it is much more important for me to carry on the spirit of globalization. In my opinion, there is far too little exchange between the different people and cultures of this world. The role of mentor at FoB enables precisely this exciting and inspiring exchange.
Why do you think the mentorship program is beneficial?
The program creates a platform for intercontinental exchange, sharing experiences and broadening one's own horizons. This applies to the mentors as well as to the mentees. The mentees in Botriver get the chance to be coached by a more experienced person. The mentors are in the role of living up to this responsibility and acting on it. Personal development and intercultural exchange are at the center of FoB and are at the same time the driving force of this project.