The official farewell for Marie-Luise Dreber, hosted by IJAB, its members and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, was a special event that took place on 9 September 2022 in Bonn. “Only those who know the past can understand the present and shape the future,” as August Bebel is said to have stated. Professor Andreas Thimmel from Cologne University of Applied Sciences and other speakers centred their remarks around Bebel’s quote, in doing so outlining the milestones in the development of international youth work over the last two decades – developments that have left their mark on the field to this day, many of which were instigated by Marie-Luise Dreber. Her contributions were also recognised by Bettina Bundszus, Director-General in the Federal Youth Ministry, and IJAB Chairman Rolf Witte in their respective speeches. Many German and international partners had sent in messages of appreciation, signalling the visible traces left by Marie-Luise Dreber both personally and professionally in Germany and around the world.
An informal farewell event took place on 26 September during which all staff were able to say goodbye to their Director accompanied by a heartfelt “Thank you!” We wish Marie-Luise Dreber all the best for this new phase in life.
Effective 1 October 2022, Marie-Luise Dreber is succeeded by the new Director Daniel Poli.