Education offers

Poverty is increasing all over the world. Ecological catastrophes are becoming more and more severe. Also, the readiness to solve problems by the use of violence is getting stronger. The number of refugees and migrants is growing, and racism and xenophobia are shown more openly and violently then ever before. It seems difficult or even impossible for people of different cultures to live together. With its work, the BIZME aims at promoting the knowledge about other countries and the understanding of foreign cultures among German citizens. It provides background information on globalization and its (negative) consequences, and explains the (global) context. Thus, the BIZME works towards creating an awareness among people that our planet will only survive if each and every person contributes to its survival in the public as well as in the private sphere.

The BIZME organizes lectures, discussions, video evenings, seminars, exhibitions and much more. With its library containing subject-related literature, didactic materials, videotapes, CD-ROMs, and a comprehensive archive of magazines it allows interested adolescents and adults to get information on a multitude of topics. Information brochures and illustrative materials are also available for borrowing. Furthermore, the BIZME assists school classes, teachers, groups and organizations in the preparation of events, project days and school partnerships.

The BIZME cooperates with initiatives, groups and institutions in and outside the town of Bremen. It is not affiliated to any party or confessional group.

The BIZME is financed by the AG Entwicklungspolitik und Menschenrechte e. V., which is an association composed of individual members as well as the following two international and four national organizations: Amnesty International, Terre des Hommes, Bremer
Initiative Ostasien, Entwicklungspolitischer Arbeitskreis, Lebenschance, and Praktische Solidarität International.

artefact is a non profit making organization dedicated to the application and dissemination of economically viable, ecologically and socially appropriate technologies for regionally and internationally sound and sustainable development.

The Centre for Appropriate Technology and International Development Cooperation maintains a seminar and conference building erected with innovative architecture from three continents, the use of local resources for energy efficient and healthy construction technics and
with its own power generation: solar energy, wind power and biomass guarantee electricity surplus throughout the year.

Germany´s first Energy Infotainment Park with other internationally relevant demonstration and trial plants attracts ten thousands of visitors every year and is the ideal training ground for workshops, specialist seminars and application tests: Indian biogas plants, Nubian
vaults, fire wood saving cookers, irrigation and electrification systems for different climatic conditions are tested and operated. - and evaluated for their compatibility or modification in order to fit into other framework conditions. Technology adjustment, participatory
appraisal, project management and private-public partnership are the artefact keys for sustainable development.

Success stories can be seen next door: EVN Ltd. installing biomass gasification and cogeneration plants in the region, Pro Lehm manufacturing straw adobe tiles and building recyclable houses for the regional market - reasons for selecting them together with artefact as
decentral WORLD EXPOSITION 2000 PROJECT.

artefact, the 1998 European Solar Price winner, master drafts courses in cooperation with partners such as

• German Foundation for International Development DSE
• Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft
• Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology
• International Network for Sustainable Energy INforSE

and many other governmental, non-governmental and church organizations

All lecturers and practioners of our courses have professional experience abroad. Flensburg University with is institute „Sustainable Energy Systems and Management“/Appropriate Rural Technologies and Extension Skills is a close cooperation partner.