"It was a tremendous inspiration. The journey benefited me in so many ways, opened up new perspectives and points of views for me, and I was able to take so many impressions back home with me", said Rafael Gomes.

In August 2006 young eleven up-and-coming designers travelled with German Agro Action employees to Mali. The trip was the prize for their successful participation in "World Robes 2005" fashion competition. "I think the prize is priceless. No cash prize which is normally awarded in competitions could come anywhere near to matching it", commented Katharina Kubiak from Hanover University.

The trip took the fashion students to Bamako, the colourful capital of the West African country, to Segou, the city of the famous Bogolan fabrics, and to Bandiagara in the country's interior. For the young designers a highlight of the trip was the meeting with the Malian designer Coulibaly, as well as visits to traditional dyeing workshops. However, encounters with field labourers who are supported in their projects by German Agro Action also left lasting impressions: "It was a special moment when the people showed us their fields and storage reservoirs. It is very important that they are proud of their work and are actively involved in the development aid," commented Nora Laux from Halle.