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Florian visited South Africa for the first time in 2003. He explored Cape Town and the Western Cape with his father. Since then, countless trips have followed through South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. In 2015, Florian had the chance to spend two months in Cape Town with his best friend. There he attended an English school.
Due to the many trips and stays in Southern Africa, especially Cape Town and the surrounding region, which includes Botriver, South Africa feels like a second home to Florian.
The special connection to the country and the people living there gave him the idea to found Friends of Botriver. FoB is therefore a project that is close to his heart and with which he wants to make a difference - through the support of donors - and give something back to the community.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role within Friends of Botriver.
I'm Florian, a 22-year-old from Munich, Germany, currently pursuing my Master's in International Business in Dubai. I am the Founder and Chairman of Friends of Botriver e.V. (FoB). My journey with FoB began nearly three years ago, driven by a passion to empower the youth of Botriver. Having spent a significant part of my life in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape region, I've developed a strong connection to the community there. My role involves overseeing our projects, strategizing our approach to education and empowerment, and ensuring that we maintain a close and effective relationship with the community we serve. It's a role that combines my love for the region with my commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of its young people.
What sets the Friends of Botriver apart from other NPOs?
Friends of Botriver stands out from other non-profit organizations in several key ways. First and foremost, our deep-rooted connection to the Botriver community sets us apart. Our team is consistently engaged with the community, often through in-person visits. This long-lasting personal connection ensures that we operate with a high level of transparency and trust, enabling us to tailor our programs to the community's needs. Additionally, our commitment to empowerment rather than mere aid allows us to focus on facilitating sustainable growth. Our approach is hands-on and heart-led.
How can sustainable change be achieved within the Botriver community?
Creating sustainable change within the Botriver community is a multifaceted challenge that requires a nuanced approach. At Friends of Botriver, we believe that sustainable change is rooted in several key factors. Firstly, it's about fostering close, trusting relationships between our team, our students, and the community. This foundation of trust enables us to work effectively and ensures that our interventions are welcome and impactful. Secondly, the motivation and dedication of both our students and our team are crucial. We're committed to not only providing resources but also inspiring and nurturing a genuine desire for growth and learning. Lastly, our approach to sustainable change is iterative. We're committed to continuous improvement, constantly experimenting, learning from our experiences, and adjusting our strategies accordingly. This dynamic and responsive approach ensures that we can meet the evolving needs of the community and support our students in the best way possible.