Print
Corrupt Minds
Corrupt Minds

In some countries corruption is more common than in others. One might wonder: is bribery a cultural matter? Jürgen Sühr from the auditing department of Bonn says corruption is rather related to the mind of the individual.

Blood in your cereal?
Blood in your cereal?

13 Nestlé employees have been killed or disappeared in Columbia over the last 25 years. Doing business in a conflict area, global players should take responsibility, demands the German NGO Misereor. But Nestlé rejected all charges brought against them.

“Babe, I have a date tonight”
"Babe, I have a date tonight"

When being married for several years, daily routine is very like to dominate the relationship and sex life. An open marriage can be one possibility to overcome the routine. Unconditional trust, honesty and transparency are however absolutely necessary.

Where does my coffee come from?
Where does my coffee come from?

Fair Trade seems like a good and easy opportunity to contribute to a fairer world and to avoid exploitation of the poor. But the actual mechanisms behind the label remain unknown for most coffee consumers.

Don’t forget the Cigarette Money, Sir…
Don't forget the Cigarette Money, Sir...

Bribery is a big issue in Indonesia. The so-called cigarette money is often used to smooth business processes. Even though the new government is trying to eradicate corruption, some extra money remains a common habit when it comes to negotiations.

Too transparent to be true
Too transparent to be true

The European Aviation Safety Agency develops safety regulations for the air traffic in Europe. On their website they promote transparency and openness. Stakeholders can contribute to the development of policies, customers can read all the documents. Is that too transparent to be true?

Under the radar
Under the radar

The number of irregular immigrants living in German is very high. Between 100 000 and 400 000 people from outside the European Union face a constant threat of being deported back home. Originally they came here with hopes and dreams of a brighter future.

Transparency of aid and donations
Transparency of aid and donations

Donating money to help the poor, make the world a better place by sharing your own wealth – that sounds very desirable. However, mechanisms behind fundraising organizations are often not very transparent. How can we be sure then, that our money actually serves its purpose?

Mehr Integrität in der Entwicklungshilfe
Mehr Integrität in der Entwicklungshilfe

Wer sich in der Entwicklungspolitik engagiert, der muss mit Intransparenz und Korruption rechnen. Nicht selten werden Gelder für die Entwicklungshilfe als Schmiergeld eingesetzt. Das 2012 verabschiedete Antikorruptionsgesetz soll helfen, Bestechungen zu reduzieren.

Leaving Fingerprints on Rocky Route
Leaving Fingerprints on Rocky Route

This is a story of an Afghan illegal immigrant walking through a thorny path. For the sake of getting a proper education, he constantly put his life at stake. Be it by car or bus or boat or ship or even, on occasion, by foot, Abdulmajid from Afghanistan successfully survived to arrive in Greece. His dream of a better future cost him seven thousand Dollars, around seven months and almost his life.

Dancing Abroad: Story of a Bulgarian Expatriate
Dancing Abroad: Story of a Bulgarian Expatriate

Monika Kresteva, a Bulgarian living in Germany since 7 years, has founded a folk dance group in Cologne. The group meets every week in the student mensa of the university of Cologne and rehearses traditional dance. Overtime, the group also started giving performances and they were invited to perform in several cities across Germany.

Gelöschte Vergangenheit
Gelöschte Vergangenheit

Ein Leben ohne Erinnerungen? Manche können sich keinen schlimmeren Alptraum vorstellen. Was passiert, wenn man nicht mehr weiß, mit wem man verheiratet war oder wie die eigenen Kinder heißen? Eine Begegnung mit Lucie Pietsch, eine Oma, die trotz ihres Alzheimers, wie fast jeder andere ist.

With a Little Help from God
With a Little Help from God

The initial impression of a world free of pain and worry created by drugs soon gives way to a nightmare that is very difficult to escape. Dea, a girl who started taking heroin at 20 and who thought she’d had everything under control at the beginning. She is also one of the few who have managed to escape the sticky quagmire of drug addiction. A story of desperation, determination and the hand of God.

Das Gesicht hinter
Das Gesicht hinter

Mit 24 Jahren kam José Gayarre nach Deutschland. Damals konnte er sich noch nicht vorstellen, dass sich 13 Jahre später Deutschland in sein zweites Zuhause verwandelt haben sollte. Die bange Aufregung der ersten Tage nach seiner Ankunft durchlebt Gayarre heute noch einmal auf seiner Facebook-Seite Españoles en Alemania.

A life for a cause
A life for a cause

Committed to making a difference in the world and passionate about her job, Simona Sow is not ashamed to say she would not give up her career to be a full-time mother. Simona admits managing a family and a high position at an international organisation is not an easy task. It demands a lot of energy and logistics, but according to her, it is definitely worth it.

Fremd im eigenen Land
Fremd im eigenen Land

Westliche und östliche Kulturen unter einen Hut zu bringen ist eine tägliche Herausforderung vor der die jeminitische Fatima jeden Tag steht. Die 24 Jährige kam vor sieben Jahren nach Deutschland. Die ersten Tage und Wochen waren schwer, doch heute ist sie völlig in die deutsche Gesellschaft integriert.

Ein Herz für die Hölle Asiens
Ein Herz für die Hölle Asiens

„Freiheit für die Christen in Nordkorea! Genug Reis für alle! Die Auflösung der Straflager!“ Seit mehr als drei Jahren hält Gerda Ehrlich einmal pro Woche vor der nordkoreanischen Botschaft in Berlin eine Mahnwache. Ihr Herz schlägt für das isolierteste Land dieser Erde: für Nordkorea.

Somewhere there is music
Somewhere there is music

For some, travelling abroad might seem like an adventure. For others like Kate Dulmage it can develop into a life-changing experience. Within a few years the 35-year-old American has not only managed to make a name for herself in Germany‘s scientific community, but also to pursue her dream as a musician. Her passion for music even led her to originally pursue an artistic career.

Entrepreneur whose measure of profit is not money
Entrepreneur whose measure of profit is not money

As more women entrepreneurs emerge, there is a growing niche market for business related news. Veye Tatah, 41, a straight talking, confident and successful entrepreneur has successfully established two business enterprises in Dortmund. She is known for her tireless efforts to promote integration of African migrants in Germany.

Born to be a global nomad
Born to be a global nomad

As a nomad, the urge to move towards the next horizon is very strong. Alex Cotoranu, 27, a Romanian grew up in Canada, studied in Sweden and currently working in Germany. He shares his living experience in different countries.

Child Workers in Iraq
Child Workers in Iraq

Child workers are a phenomenon that has widely spread through Iraq over the past few decades. They are seen everywhere: farms, bazaars, and most noticeably near traffic lights. Many of them are forced to work since they either lost one or both parents. The eleven-year-old Hussein is one of them.

From Volunteer to Manager
From Volunteer to Manager

Most students who finish high school or university are highly interested in voluntary work. Engaging in this type of activity gives them a chance to get to know the real labor market, contribute to society and gain valuable experience. Markus Freund, 35, spent almost ten years working as a volunteer in Cambodia.

Auf dem Strich bis in die Rente
Auf dem Strich bis in die Rente

Das deutsche Prostitutionsgesetz ist eines der liberalsten der Welt. Seit zehn Jahre ist die Prostitution hier legal und darf im Zuge dessen sogar gefördert werden. Der Beitrag von Debora Dürksen zeigt einen Einblick in das Leben und Altern in der unteren Zeile.

Forever young
Forever young

Irina Vasilescu tries to find answer o this question, “How normal are plastic surgeries in a small city like Bonn?” The article will provide figures concerning some of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Germany and Bonn.

Welcome, look around!

Hi, this is a place for our media projects and further thoughts. We hope you enjoy what you see, for further info please also check out our "About Us" section!

The Students of International Media Studies M.A. @ Deutsche Welle, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg and University of Bonn.