History of NADEUM
Table of contents
The history of NADEUM to NADEUM-WIKO (2015–2025)
2015 – The year of foundation
The NADEUM association was officially founded on 15 August 2015.
The starting point was the conviction that sustainable thinking, responsible action and long-term perspectives are central building blocks for a sustainable society.
2016 – Migration, encounters and new perspectives
2016 was marked by intense encounters, especially with people from African countries.
Many of these individuals associated NADEUM with the hope of receiving support in the asylum process. For NADEUM itself, this year was above all one thing: a learning process. Africa was no longer perceived as an abstract continent, but as a diverse living space with real challenges, hopes and potential.
2017 – Collaboration with GAFÉIAS
NADEUM and the organisation GAFÉIAS collaborated on several projects.
Particularly noteworthy is project P005, which was initially titled ‘Plastic Strike Back’ and later renamed ‘Oceans 2030’.
However, in the course of the work, the enormous technical, economic and political complexity of the issue of plastic recycling became apparent. The cooperation was then realigned:
- NADEUM focused on plastic recycling
- GAFÉIAS further developed the OCEANS2050 project
2018 – Farewells and turning points
2018 was a year of loss and change.
Several members left NADEUM – some without saying goodbye, others due to external circumstances. A long-time friend of the president unexpectedly retired. Other African members were deported from Austria as a result of government decisions.
Only one member from Nigeria remained in Vienna, successfully integrated and now works as a pastor.
2019 – Year of realignment
At the beginning of the year, international indications of an impending global crisis were already mounting. Reports of a novel virus caused initial uncertainty.
NADEUM began to rethink its orientation and working methods – without yet knowing the extent to which this development would unfold.
2020 – The world at a standstill
COVID-19 caused a global upheaval. Economies were shut down and social contact was severely restricted.
- The pandemic dramatically revealed how fragile modern societies are. At the same time, ecological effects became apparent – such as a short-term recovery of nature.
- The psychological and social consequences of this period continue to have an impact today and are influencing political and social developments worldwide.
2021 – Rules, tensions and the search for direction
The year 2021 was marked by regulations, restrictions and social tensions.
Even within NADEUM, there were differing views on government measures and personal freedoms. Physical meetings were hardly possible, and the association’s work was severely restricted. Nevertheless, each member tried to find their way through this challenging phase.
2022 – Slow awakening
With the first easing of restrictions, a cautious social restart began.
At the same time, discussions, recriminations and political tensions increased. Societies became polarised and trust was lost.
For NADEUM, this year was marked by observation, analysis and internal reorientation.
2023 – A new, small team
NADEUM now consisted of only three active members.
Despite its small size, new motivation arose: less structure, but more clarity, focus and feasibility. New ideas could be discussed and prepared more quickly.
2024 – Deepening our work in Africa
- Through new contacts, especially via international networks, NADEUM got to know committed young people from various African countries.
- Partnerships and memberships were formed, including, for the first time, an African branch.
- This revealed a central area of tension: expectations of financial support versus NADEUM’s clear focus on helping people to help themselves.
- Instead of money transfers, the association deliberately focused on social skills training, counselling and knowledge transfer – migration to Europe should not be seen as the only prospect.
2025 – NADEUM become NADEUM-WIKO
In 2025, the association appeared under the expanded name NADEUM-WIKO.
The ACAPMUSSC_MYC concept was presented to international bodies. At the same time, smaller self-help groups (SHGs) in Kenya, Sierra Leone, Ghana and in the vicinity of UNHCR camps were supported.
Many ideas were initiated, but not all of them could be implemented. Nevertheless, the exchange with African members brought valuable new perspectives.
Project approaches 2025:
- IT solutions: Security checks for the IT infrastructure of African institutions
- Plastic recycling: Conversion of plastic into synthetic oil using high-temperature processes
2026 – Outlook
NADEUM-WIKO will report as soon as new results, projects or reliable developments are available.