TEPPCON–MÜNSTER DIOCESE PARTNERSHIP HOLDS REINTEGRATION SEMINAR FOR FSD VOLUNTEER RETURNEES

19–20 August 2026 | Tamale

The TEPPCON–Münster Diocese Partnership organised a two-day reintegration seminar and experience-sharing session in Tamale from 19 to 20 August 2026 for four volunteers who had completed a one-year voluntary service programme in the Diocese of Münster, Germany. The returnees were Jennifer Nammonyor Tembile, Mavis Kuunoba, Chrysostom Maalime Yebelang and Kponkpori Mahama Matthew.

As part of their return activities, the volunteers paid a courtesy call on the Archbishop of Tamale, Most Rev. Philip Naameh. The Archbishop congratulated them on completing their year of service and encouraged them to put the knowledge and experiences gained in Germany to good use by sharing them with young people in their parishes and communities.

PARTICIPANTS

The seminar was attended by the Chairman of TEPPCON, Very Rev. Fr. Martin Muosayiri; TEPPCON Executive Secretary, Dame Agnes Gandaa; TEPPART Coordinator, Mr Peter Yang-bio; Tamale Archdiocesan Partnership Coordinator, Mr Nicodemus Gampie; and the four returning volunteers.

DAY ONE: EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCE SHARING

The seminar opened on 19 August with a prayer led by Jennifer Tembile at 4:30 p.m., followed by a welcome address from Mr Nicodemus Gampie. The TEPPCON Chairman expressed his happiness at the volunteers’ safe return after a successful year in Germany. Dame Agnes Gandaa then guided participants through a discussion of the volunteers’ expectations for the seminar.

WHAT THE RETURNEES HOPED TO GAIN

• An opportunity to share experiences, skills and opportunities gained during the service year.
• Discussion of youth participation in parish activities and voluntary service in the Church.
• Clarity on the Ghanaian team’s expectations and the next steps after returning.
• Greater awareness of the voluntary service programme.
• Opportunities for past and current volunteers to meet, either in person or online, before new volunteers depart.

TEPPCON’S EXPECTATIONS OF THE RETURNEES

• Provide honest feedback and advice on improving the volunteer selection process, with an emphasis on transparency.
• Help develop a sustainable team of TEPP/FSD volunteers who can plan and support activities in the Church.
• Participate in TEPP partnership activities and recommend ways to strengthen youth involvement in parishes in Ghana and Germany.
• Offer ideas for maintaining engagement and support for volunteers after their return.
• Recommend ways to strengthen German-language learning.

EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS FROM GERMANY

The returnees reflected on different aspects of their year abroad, identifying positive experiences as well as challenges that could inform future exchanges.

PREPARATION AND TRAVEL

• Youth should be encouraged to prepare their travel documents early for exchange programmes.
• Visa processes should begin early, and FSD should provide support with visa applications.
• The volunteers raised concerns about visa fees and called for fair treatment.
• Visa delays meant one colleague was unable to travel with the others, which was a source of frustration. Fear of heights was also mentioned as a personal challenge during the flight.

ACCOMMODATION AND HOST FAMILIES

• Meeting other international volunteers during the first three weeks was a positive experience.
• Host families should be carefully assessed before volunteers are placed with them, as experiences of welcome and hospitality differed.
• One volunteer described a positive experience with a host family in Coesfeld, including sharing meals and learning about one another’s cultures.
• Shared accommodation in Karthaus and Dülmen was described as friendly and interactive, with residents sharing facilities and engaging with one another.
• However, sharing accommodation in Münster with a volunteer from Mexico was challenging because of cultural and upbringing differences.

WORKPLACE EXPERIENCES

• Some volunteers experienced an initial shock at the demands of their daily tasks.
• Language barriers highlighted the importance of learning language skills relevant to each placement.
• Volunteers reported experiencing racism at school and in other settings, and reflected on the importance of patience and perseverance when facing difficult situations.
• Having an individual mentor was particularly helpful.

SEMINARS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The returnees described the FSD seminars in Germany as well planned and impactful. Daily meditation and reflection helped them understand and manage their emotions. They also found the seminar themes relevant and the regular reviews and evaluations useful for planning throughout the year.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT AND SOCIAL LIFE

Experiences of participation in church life varied. Some volunteers working in elderly care settings felt they had insufficient time for spiritual and religious activities, while others reported being welcomed and fully integrated into church activities in Coesfeld. A volunteer in Dülmen also contributed to musical activities during church services.

Socially, the volunteers valued positive working relationships, friendly environments and opportunities to learn and spend time with friends. Although adjusting to social life was difficult at first, they said it improved over time. Spending time with family and friends was also an important part of their experience.

DAY TWO: REFLECTION, REINTEGRATION AND THE WAY FORWARD

The second day, 20 August 2026, began with an opening prayer led by Chrysostom Maalime at about 10:09 a.m. The TEPPCON Chairman welcomed participants and outlined the seminar’s aims: to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the service year; consider the volunteers’ future after the programme; and discuss challenges affecting the Ghana–Germany partnership.

Mr Peter Yang-bio briefed participants on the return arrangements. The volunteers had been welcomed at the airport and taken to Good Shepherd Home in Accra, where they had an opportunity to meet the new volunteers before their departure for Germany. Dame Agnes Gandaa encouraged the returnees to remain active in TEPPCON and help revitalise youth activities in their parishes. The group leader, Chrysostom Maalime, also presented a report on behalf of the volunteers.

SPIRITUAL SUPPORT AND CONTINUED CONNECTION

Mr Nicodemus Gampie thanked the volunteers for their service and the sacrifices they had made. He encouraged them to support one another spiritually through group prayer when they encountered difficulties. He also proposed periodic Rosary prayers and the celebration of Holy Mass during seminar weeks, preferably on the final day.

He further encouraged the returnees to stay connected with current volunteers so they could continue sharing ideas and experiences, suggesting a common WhatsApp platform as one practical way to maintain communication. He welcomed the volunteers home and urged them to remain faithful to the Catholic Church.

REINTEGRATION AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

The TEPPCON Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Martin Muosayiri, reminded the returnees that reintegration takes time. He advised them not to be overwhelmed by the expectations, comments or requests of people in their communities and encouraged them to contact TEPPCON whenever they needed support.

The volunteers reported that they had maintained positive relationships with their previous workplaces and had reconnected with them before the end of their agreements.

AGREED PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• TEPPCON will create opportunities for the returnees to engage with youth councils.
• The volunteers are expected to prepare programme outlines that involve both returnees and current volunteers.
• Returnees should meet with their parish priests to discuss their experiences and take parish activities seriously.
• Volunteers are encouraged to continue practising German to sustain communication and relationships with their partners.
• TEPPCON is to send a letter of appreciation to the Bishop of Münster.

RECOGNISING THE VOLUNTEERS’ CONTRIBUTION

Through the TEPPCON Chairman, the Bishop of Damongo expressed appreciation to the volunteers for their service and for acting as ambassadors of friendship between the partner organisations. The Chairman also encouraged them to maintain the relationships they had built and continue working towards personal growth.

CLOSING

During the final session, the volunteers thanked TEPPCON for the opportunity to participate in the programme. Participants also noted with concern that only male volunteers had been able to take part in this year’s service. The meeting was brought to a close by Mr Nicodemus Gampie, with the motion seconded by Mr Chrysostom Maalime.

In his closing remarks, the TEPPCON Chairman expressed his joy at welcoming the volunteers back, thanked the Partnership Coordinator and FSD for their coordination, and wished the returnees a smooth and successful reintegration into life in Ghana.