‘The collaboration between dedicated people at NETZ impresses and inspires me. I am delighted to be able to work with NETZ on issues that are particularly close to my heart.’

"With its colonial legacies, Bangladesh faces external and internal challenges despite its significant achievements: poverty in an unfair global economic system, climate change, corruption and political instability. For 35 years, NETZ has stood alongside the extremely poor, women, marginalised and vulnerable population groups. Our actions are based on the ideas of the people and local initiatives. It is particularly important to us that we work together in a respectful, equal and power-critical manner. In Bangladesh and West Bengal in India, we support civil society partners in achieving structural change."

"We live in a deeply unjust world. I have a job and even get compensated for lost earnings – unlike in the global textile industry in Bangladesh. This luxury is an obligation for me to give something back to those who were not born into this comfortable situation. NETZ is the ideal partner for me because the organisation is transparent and cost-effective and works directly with partners in Bangladesh. And just as important to me is that NETZ is bringing about a change in awareness in Germany through its educational work."

‘I have deep sympathy for people who are poor. Because I was once poor myself. When you set out on your own as a poor person, you can hardly make any difference. Back then, people pointed fingers at me. But I won't do that – instead, I will fight for them.’

"Every day, we work with people who have contributed the least to global warming – and yet feel its catastrophic effects every day. But they are not victims; they are the true experts and pioneers of adaptation and rethinking. Humanity will only have a future if we understand that their lives matter just as much as ours. People around the world, wake up! Stop fighting against us and start fighting with us. Phase out fossil fuels now!"

‘My husband and I always worked hard, but we couldn't afford three meals a day. However, after just a few months in the project, we were able to earn some money with our first animals. Since then, we have been raising livestock and have been able to build a better life for ourselves. We share our knowledge with our neighbours. In our village, everyone works together to ensure that no one has to live in poverty anymore.’

‘I look forward to school and my friends every day.’

‘What I enjoy most about school are the lessons where we do theatre, learn poems or dance.’

‘I am the first child in my family to attend school.’

‘I just want to be able to continue going to school! Then I will be able to do things in the future that will make my parents really proud.’

‘I want to be a doctor because most people in my area are poor and can't afford to travel far to see a doctor.’

NETZ has long been effectively supporting women's empowerment and the rights of religious and indigenous minorities through its projects. And we will continue our joint struggle against violence and for equal rights for all people. We in Dhaka and local human rights groups support each other and learn from each other: about our rights and important new approaches such as non-violent conflict transformation. As part of international civil society, we bring the voices of the disenfranchised into global politics."

"Through pictures, letters and visits from Bangladesh, our students learn about a different way of life and culture. However, it is closely linked to our own because the girls and boys here and there share the same aspirations and goals in life. We all learn a lot from the exchange, about each other and about ourselves – even if it is not always easy and we question ourselves a lot. In the end, what remains is the desire to continue working for a more just world."