Interviews with participants
Hans van Arkel
Project officer of the Dutch municipality Alphen aan de Rijn, involved in two projects (HIV/AIDS and Housing) with partner municipality Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
"It was very stimulating to hear about the experiences from colleagues of other municipalities cooperating with partners in Southern Africa. I am sure this contributes in a positive way to our project.
I found it very useful to learn about the administrative context in South Africa and Namibia. This presentation povoked an interesting discussion about the most effective ways to implement our projects. Questions we discussed were, for example: how can we increase the input from our partner municipality? And: what can be done to ensure the continuity of the project? We received tools and practiced skills that help us in working with our South African partners.
Also, different approaches for municipal international cooperation were discussed. I personally think it is very important that besides the local authorities, private parties contribute to the project as well. Involving the local community – in The Netherlands as well as in the partner country – is an important condition for succesful municipal cooperation!"
