Change of Perspective by Brückenwind

In the panel discussion Dolly Afoumba, Malika Gottstein and Laila discuss Voluntourism and what it implies. Moderated by Carolin Philipp, the three incredible speakers discuss the difference between volunteering and (political) activism as well as the harmful effects of Voluntourism. They speak about privilege, ongoing (un)learning processes and the change from charity to solidarity. The panel discussion took place online on 3rd March 2026. Speakers: Dolly Afoumba - Economic Historian, PhD, Anti-Racism Trainer Malika Gottstein - Active member of Zugvögel - Grenzen überwinden e.V. Laila - feminist activist, Legal Center Lesvos Moderator: Carolin Philipp - co-founder of the glokal collective, decolonial educator Editor's note: There are some sections where the audio quality is poor, but it improves again if you continue listening.

Episode 6, “Reclaiming the Narratives and the Voices of those Affected on Self Representation,” features Olivia Alaso Patience, founder of No White Saviours Uganda. The conversation explores the role of storytelling in social change. In this episode with Olivia we tried to challenge dominant narratives, amplifying marginalized voices, and supporting the library through fundraising, community involvement, and skill-sharing. Oliva highlights the importance of Sankara Pan African Library in Kampala as a community project that promotes education, and decolonial literature. This is also, a call for all of us to join the Sankara Pan African Library in Kampala and buld solidarity around this important decolonial project!

In the fifth episode of Change of Perspective – Whose Story Gets Told?, we speak with Ann Aradi- Savi Noir, queer Kenyan human rights activist based in Berlin and coordinator of the “Resilient Voices” project. Together, we explore who holds the power to tell stories, why storytelling is political, and how language shapes representation. As dominant systems control narratives, often by using oppressive terms: Ann calls for reclaiming language as a tool of empowerment, while reflecting on storytelling as a collective act of resistance.

In our 4th episode “Transformative Engagement - From Reflection to Action” we speak about tools and opportunities for solidarity-based action, examples of sustainable change, and the role of community in solidarity actions. Our guest is Fatima Medani, a Sudanese feminist and transformative justice practitioner who works at the intersection of grassroots organizing, feminist governance, and international advocacy. She highlights the importance of solidarity in Sudanese communities. Fatima emphasizes the need for transformative engagement, emphasizing that solidarity is political and not charitable, and it requires a shared commitment to justice.

Episode 3 is about checking our own privilege. We speak about “Power and Responsibility in Engagement”. Our guest Josi reflects on her own position and privilege. She is part of the Brückenwind Team and has studied migration studies. Being in the No Border Movement she stands in solidarity with people negatively affected by the Border Regime. She honestly speaks about her path to the point where she is now in the process of reflection about her own position. What does activism mean and how can we work together and support each other without victimizing or paternalising? Where do power dynamics continue to exist? These are questions that we discuss in this episode.

Episode 2 of Change of Perspective “Decolonising Aid and Solidarity” reflects on how humanitarian systems often go hand in hand with systems of human containment. In conversation with Salahadine Djouma Abdallah, co-funder of Refugees in Libya, we speak about the Book of Shame, written by refugees across Libya, Tunisia, and Niger to break the silence around UNHCR’s crimes. Our guest Salahadine confronts Europe’s role in funding detention centers in Libya, the violence faced by refugees, and the power structures that decide who is “worthy” of protection, “who is evacuated or left behind, who is allowed to live, and who disappears”. Salahadine calls for radical care and solidarity that includes evacuation, resettlement, and collective action. He reminds us that silence is what kills first, and that is why we must keep speaking up for those who are still stuck in Libya or in other North African countries. Throughout this episode Hadis Yakubi will read extracts from the Book of Shame, out of the chapter: “The witness must speak - On UNHCR in Libya and Beyond” written by David Yambio. The extracts will appear at different moments and will be combined with the conversation we had with our guest Salahadine. This episode contains references to violence, systemic abuse, and human rights violations experienced by refugees and migrants. Source: Book of Shame: How UNHCR Fails to Protect Refugees in Libya, Tunisia, and Niger (Vol. 1, 2025) https://www.refugeesinlibya.org/book-of-shame. Know more about Refugees in Libya: https://www.refugeesinlibya.org/

We officially announce that our second season of the podcast series “Change of Perspective” is out! The first episode, “The Roots of Inequality – Colonialism's Legacy in Global Structures,” focuses on oppressive colonial history, how it affects Sudan today, and Sudanese self-organising revolutionary movements, with a focus on gender and the role of women in the revolution. We are happy that we could host the great Mahasin Dahab! Mahasin Dahab is a Sudanese feminist and colonial researcher. She is the co-founder of the Midanik feminist movement and the managing director of The Dahub Consultancies. 🔗 Mahasin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahasin-dahab-509532197/?originalSubdomain=sd

As the final episode of Season 1 of Change of Perspective, we present a powerful panel discussion on solidarity-based approaches to volunteering, highlighting perspectives from the Global South. Too often, volunteering and aid efforts are shaped by Eurocentric narratives that reinforce hierarchies and paternalism. In this conversation, our speakers challenge these dynamics by centering lived experience, justice, and proximity over charity. Panelists: - Adeola Carew (Safe Space Sierra Leone), a feminist organizer and founder of a survivor-led initiative supporting women and girls affected by sexualized and gender-based violence. Her work focuses on trauma-informed, community-rooted care and deconstructs the ethics of volunteering through a lens of justice and responsibility. - Radwa Khaled-Ibrahim (Medico International), a Critical Aid Consultant working at the intersection of communication, global health, and structural critique. Moderated by: - Ceren Uysal, human rights lawyer from Turkey, Executive Director of the Progressive Lawyers Association (PLA), and Co-Secretary-General of the European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights (ELDH). This episode not only reflects on the ethics of helping, but also sets the tone for deeper reflection and transformation in how solidarity and support are practiced. 🎧 Thank you for being part of our first season. Stay tuned—Change of Perspective will return with a new season full of critical voices, fresh perspectives, and more conversations that matter.

In this episode of Change of Perspective, we explore paternalism—when decisions are made for people rather than with them, often under the guise of “helping.” This dynamic is deeply rooted in colonial thinking and still shapes many forms of international aid, development, and even activism today. We question the popular narratives around helping, support, and "giving a voice"—and ask: who defines what help looks like? Who holds the power, and who is expected to be grateful? Our guests share how paternalistic attitudes have affected their communities and why shifting from charity to solidarity is essential for real change. Join us as we challenge the power structures behind well-intentioned help and advocate for a more equitable, respectful approach to support.

Colonialism is often taught as something that ended long ago—but its structures and effects are still deeply present today. In this episode of Change of Perspective, we examine how colonial legacies continue to shape global power relations, cultural identities, migration, and systemic inequality. Our guests share personal reflections on how colonialism has influenced their lives, and we discuss why recognizing and challenging ongoing colonial dynamics is essential for building a more just future. Join us as we confront the myths of the past and the realities of colonialism in the present.

In this episode of Change of Perspective, we dive into the concept of Eurocentrism—the idea that European culture, values, and perspectives are the default or superior standard. But what happens when one worldview dominates over others? How does this shape education, politics, media, and our everyday understanding of the world? We question how Eurocentrism continues to influence global narratives and listen to voices that challenge this imbalance. It’s time to rethink whose knowledge, history, and experiences are centered—and whose are left out. 🎧 Join us as we shift the lens and make space for diverse perspectives. Additional Resources on Eurocentrism: 📚 Recommended Books: * Eurocentrism – Samir Amin * Black Skin, White Masks – Frantz Fanon * Postcolonialism: An Historical Introduction – Robert J. C. Young * The Invention of Africa – V. Y. Mudimbe * How Europe Underdeveloped Africa – Walter Rodney

Episode 2: Voluntourism – Helping or Hurting? 🌍🤔 Many young Europeans travel to the EU’s external borders or the Global South to volunteer, hoping to make a difference. But what impact does voluntourism really have? Is it truly helping, or does it reinforce harmful power dynamics? In this episode of Change of Perspective, we explore the fine line between genuine aid and performative action. We listen to different perspectives, including voices from those directly affected by international volunteering. How do they perceive these volunteers? What are the unintended consequences of short-term help? Join us as we unpack the reality of voluntourism and question who truly benefits. 🎙️ #ChangeOfPerspective #Voluntourism #Podcast #Brückenwind

Welcome to our podcast, Change of Perspective! This series consists of six episodes, each exploring important social issues. Our first episode focuses on racism—what it is, how it affects people, and why discussing it can create meaningful change. Racism occurs when someone is treated unfairly, excluded, harassed, or discriminated against because of their race, skin color, or socioeconomic status. Recognizing racism isn't always easy, especially for those who aren’t directly affected by it. While some express racism through words, others do so through actions. In this episode, voices from people who have personally experienced racism are heard. They share their stories, the challenges they've faced, the strength that keeps them moving forward, and their thoughts on how we can work together to combat racism. Join us in gaining a new perspective and raising awareness on this crucial issue.