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Newsletter December 2024

Goethe-Institut Myanmar



Deutsch | English | မြန်မာ

Season's Greetings

Season's greetings

©Goethe-Institut

We wish you

an inner-peaceful and a meaningful holiday season!

Goethe-Institut Myanmar wishes you tranquil moments and heartfelt reflections during this special season. Gratitude abounds for the collaboration and shared experiences throughout the year. May the coming days bring serenity and a gentle sense of fulfillment.

Go Green Goethe

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Go Green Goethe: Year-End Reflection and Wrap-Up Program

The time has come to conclude the year-long Go Green Goethe program, organized by the Goethe-Institut Myanmar family. Over the year, members of Goethe-Institut Myanmar were divided into three groups and engaged in various environmentally focused activities. These included educational initiatives, fostering individual eco-friendly habits, reducing plastic usage, and creatively giving a second life to used materials through upcycling efforts and collaborative workshops.

As December approaches, marking the end of the year, a special event is planned to reflect on and review the collective activities of the Go Green Goethe program. This event will showcase each group’s documented projects and artistic creations from different phases of the year. It will serve as an opportunity to share insights, evaluate the year's efforts, and carry forward positive habits and ideas into the years ahead.

The event will be held on December 22, and details will soon be announced on Goethe-Institut Myanmar's social media pages. Stay tuned and join us!
 

Culture

Sundowner

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Sundowner Musical Gathering

Goethe-Institut Myanmar is delighted to share an exciting news with music lovers: our Sundowner Musical Gathering is making a comeback this December, just like in past years when the weather turns pleasant and clear.

This gathering is all about giving musicians a platform to share their talent while offering music enthusiasts a chance to unwind and enjoy mellow, melody-filled evenings.

As always, you can soak in the music at the Goethe Café. Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on the lineup of artists, bands, and exact event dates in December.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Sundowner Musical Gathering!
Beyond the Words

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Beyond the Words: Visual Storytelling in Cartoons and Comics

Goethe-Institut Myanmar is organizing a program for those who love creating comic scenes and characters or are interested in exploring their own creativity in this field.

This program will feature Canadian animator, writer, and artist Chris Stewart, along with AhHtet, an artist known for representing Mon literature, language, and traditional culture through his digital illustrations.
The session will cover topics such as storytelling, plot development, and character creation in cartoons and comics, using visuals as a medium. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore some of Chris and AhHtet’s creative works.

Discussions and presentations will be conducted in both Myanmar and English, with translation provided.

Date: 20th December, 2024 (Friday)
Doors Open and Registration : 4:00 PM
Program Duration: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry: Free Entry (Open to public)
IT’S FASHION

©Myanmar Photo Archive

IT’S FASHION

Fashion is universal – whether born from creativity, expression, vanity, or simply the love of color and beauty. In Myanmar, this rich sensibility comes alive every day, blending traditional attire with modern trends and unique personal styles.

Join us at the Yangon Book Plaza for a stunning exhibition that offers a glimpse into Myanmar's fashion scene, featuring a mix of studio photography, candid snapshots, and advertisements.

Exhibition Details

Title: IT’S FASHION
Venue: Yangon Book Plaza Lanmadaw Stree Yangon
Exhibition Duration: 29th November – 15th December
A Cup Of…

©Myanmar Photo Archive

A Cup Of…

Join us at Café Deja Brew for a heartwarming exhibition that celebrates the beauty of social gatherings and shared memories, captured through the lens of vernacular photography. Featuring candid snapshots from personal photo albums in Yangon, this exhibition tells the story of community, friendship, and the ties that bind us.

As you sip on your favorite brew, immerse yourself in the rich narratives behind each image and experience a unique glimpse into the past.

Exhibition Details

Title: A Cup Of…
Venue: Café Deja Brew, No. 134, 37th Middle Block, Between MahaBandola & Anawratha Road, Yangon
Exhibition Duration: 29th November – 15th December
 
Movie Mania

©Myanmar Photo Archive

Movie Mania

Movie Mania is coming soon!

Join us for a fascinating exhibition that celebrates the golden era of Myanmar’s film industry from the 1950s to the 1970s, often referred to as the "Burmese Hollywood." This was a time when studios flourished, producing films influenced by Bollywood and Hollywood, exploring themes of romance, folklore, and social issues.

Discover the rich heritage of Myanmar's movie posters and memorabilia, featuring contributions from the Myanmar Photo Archive and other sources. Experience the aesthetics of film posters, advertisements, and fan albums that shaped a vibrant cinematic culture. Don’t miss it!

Exhibition Details

  • Exhibition Title: Movie Mania
  • Venue: Downtown Apartment, Top Floor, 201/203 Seikkantha Street, Yangon 
  • Opening Reception: Sunday, 1st December 2024
  • Exhibition Dates: 1st December - 15th December 2024
When Spirits Flow Backwards

©Myanmar Photo Archive

Curated by AUNG Myat Htay

When Spirits Flow Backwards

This exhibition explores the dynamic interplay between Myanmar's past and present, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural continuity that transcends time. 

While historical periods—from monarchy to colonial times and independence to modern political uncertainties—may appear distinct, the exhibition highlights how socio-political and cultural values remain deeply interconnected. Archival images invite viewers to reflect on their identity and memories, juxtaposing them with contemporary experiences, evoking emotions such as pride, nostalgia, or haunting reflections on the past. 

­Drawing on John Locke's theory of memory and Michel Foucault's concept of "counter-memory," the exhibition questions the notion of history as objective truth, instead presenting memory as fluid and shaped by socio-political contexts. The photographs serve as a medium to explore how the past continues to influence the present, revealing the complex relationships between identities in the history of Myanmar.

Featured artists are Alco Htoo, Han Reality, Ko Sai, Kyaw Min Htet, Kelvin Shine Ko, May Thin Kyi, Moe Myat and Ye Kyaw Aung, were commissioned during an open call organized by the Goethe-Institut Myanmar and the Myanmar Photo Archive to reinterpret history through their contemporary artistic lenses.

Exhibition Details

  • Title: When Spirits Flow Backwards
  • Venue: Downtown Apartment Top Floor, 243-245 Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon,
  • Opening Reception: Friday, 6th of December
  • Exhibition Dates: 6th December – 22nd December
Science Film Festival 2024

© Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Knowledge Through Entertainment

Science Film Festival 2024

The Goethe-Institut Myanmar, in collaboration with Myanmar YMCA and other partners, is excited to announce the 13th edition of the Science Film Festival in Myanmar. This year's festival will feature a hybrid format, offering both in-person screenings and online access through a video-on-demand service. The event will take place from November 20 to December 20, 2024.
Academy of Care

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Academy of Care Program Wrap-Up

We are delighted to share the successful conclusion of the Academy of Care (AoC) Program Cohort 3, which ran from September 23rd to November 15th, 2024. This transformative journey brought together 15 dedicated participants from diverse regions and backgrounds, providing them with essential skills in art therapy, music therapy, and drama therapy focusing on mental wellbeing and resilience.

Participants gained hands-on experience in therapeutic creative techniques through intensive training with experienced international trainers from Sri Lanka, India and Nepal, mindfulness practices, trauma-informed care, and creative expression.  The training focused on utilizing visual arts, sound, rhythm, and body movement as impactful tools. AoC participants participated in WMHD 2024, leading sessions on Dramatherapy as Psychological First Aid and Stress Reduction, as well as engaging the public in art and music therapy activities.

Participants visited a mental health hospital and a special needs school, facilitating art, drama, and music therapy sessions. These experiences provided valuable opportunities to apply their learning in real-world settings, supporting individuals with emotional and developmental needs. Through practice base week and peer support sessions, participants deepened their practice, learned from one another, and built a strong sense of community, creating a foundation for sustained collaboration.

At the program's final event, participants reflected on their personal and professional growth. They shared their insights with special guests, showcasing how creative therapies can be instrumental in supporting healing and resilience in individuals and communities. The AoC alumni are now empowered to bring the tools and techniques they’ve learned back to their communities, continuing to create meaningful impact.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated trainers, participants, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their invaluable support throughout this journey with us.

Language

German Language Courses

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

December

German Language Courses

Start learning the German language systematically at the Goethe-Institut Myanmar! Our German language courses are based on the six levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Our courses are thereby internationally recognized and comparable. Goethe-Institut Myanmar is offering online and in-person German language courses in December. Registration is open from 13.11.2024 to 20.11.2024. For any inquiries, please get in touch with us via info.language.mmr@goethe.de
Goethe-Zertifikat Exams

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

December

Goethe-Zertifikat Exams

Do you need documented proof of your German language skills that are recognized all over the world?

The Goethe-Institut certificates are accepted worldwide as verification of your language capabilities. Goethe-Institut Myanmar is offering Goethe-Zertifikat examsin December. Registration is open from 15.11.2024 – 16.11.2024. Please check our schedule and register via info.language.mmr@goethe.de!
Exam and Course Fees

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Examinations and Course fees as of January 2025

We're introducing the Examinations and Course fees as of January 2025.
   

Library

Charming Felt Toys for Christmas Eve

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Children and Youth Program

"Charming Felt Toys for Christmas Eve!"

Join Us for Our Monthly Children & Youth Program: ‘Charming Felt Toys for Christmas Eve’!

We’re excited to invite young craft enthusiasts, ages 7-13, to create their very own charming felt toys for Christmas celebrations! Felt is kid-friendly and easy to sew, making it perfect for holiday crafting. These soft, colorful creations make wonderful gifts, festive decorations, or sweet surprises for friends and family. Crafting felt toys is not only a fun activity but also a heartfelt way to spread the joy of the season with with your loved ones. Plus, participants will have the opportunity to make new friends while crafting together!

Felt toys crafted with love are more than just toys!

Admission is free. Spaces are limited, so please register in advance to secure your spot. To register, please send mail to biblio-yangon@goethe.de by providing the following information: ♦Name ♦Age ♦Contact Number
Board Game

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

“BOARD GAME DAY!”

On Boardgame Day in December, players will engage in a fun challenge with the Tabu Familien-Edition, where they need to think quickly to answer the questions within a limited time. The game involves splitting into two teams, and one person will have to describe a word on the top of a card without using certain forbidden words or gestures. It’s interesting to see how the describer will convey the meaning of the word and whether their teammates can answer quickly and correctly. The opposing team will also keep track of the actions using a timer and a squeaker. To make the game more enjoyable, invite your friends to Boardgame Day and improve your German language skills together!

A2 level is required to play this game, those interested can contact biblio-yangon@goethe.de or 01 9376160 (ext. 301/302) to make a reservation during library opening hours.
Reading Club for young readers

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“READING CLUB” Program for Young Readers

Join our exciting Reading Club designed especially for children aged 10 to 14 years with German language skills at Level A1!

In this one-hour session, young readers will explore exciting stories and practice German in a relaxed, supportive environment. This club is more than just reading—it's about making friends, sparking your imagination, and building confidence in your language skills. Whether you’re eager to explore new worlds through books or simply want to improve your German, come along and be part of our reading journey!
 
To register, please send mail to biblio-yangon@goethe.de by providing the following information:  ♦Name ♦Age ♦Contact Number
Learnberatung

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Empowering Your Learning Journey:

“LEARNING ADVISORY” Program

In the "Learning Advisory" Program, you will be assisted with any challenges you may encounter in your German studies. A teacher of Goethe-Institut Myanmar will address these issues and provide recommendations. In this month's "Learning Advisory" program, we will delve into essential books, online resources, and tailored recommendations suitable for A1-level German language learners. A virtual online session has also been arranged so that those who cannot visit the library can participate and ask questions.

If you are interested in participating either in-person or online session, please register by sending an email to biblio-yangon@goethe.de by providing the following information:
• your name • contact number • your German proficiency level • a question that you would like to ask and • the date you wish to attend
Reading Club

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

“READING CLUB” Program

Exciting news for those looking to enhance their German reading skills! The monthly "Reading Club/Leseclub" is here to help expand your vocabulary and usage.

This month's program is aimed for the participants at the A1 Level. On both days, we will read the same book together with the teacher. The purpose is to nurture effective reading habits for readers; hence, we encourage you to participate in both sessions. So, we warmly welcome you to grab this opportunity to share your thoughts with other bookworms. Join us, and let's dive into the world of German literature together!

If you are interested in participating, please register by sending an email to biblio-yangon@goethe.de by providing the following information:
• your name • contact number • your German proficiency level
ONLEIHE: GERMAN ONLINE LIBRARY

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New Media At Onleihe

ONLEIHE: GERMAN ONLINE LIBRARY

New media are available in our German Online Library “ONLEIHE”, including works by Franz Friedrich, Özge Inan, André Kubiczek, Paul Maar, Emilia Roig, Cemile Sahin, Arno Strobel und Benedict Wells. Access them free of charge in our ONLEIHE - the German Online Library.

Contact

Goethe-Institut Myanmar
Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, corner of Nat Mauk Street, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel. +95 1 9376160
info-yangon@goethe.de