About Haffner
Benno Haffner was born on 28 February 1931 in Saarlouis, to Berta, Petronella Immaculata Haffner and Aloys Haffner. As oldest of three sons, he spent his childhood and schooling in Saarlouis, where he received a humanistic secondary education. Studies in Munich and then in Aachen led him, in 1958, to earn a Degree in Civil Engineering.
Growing up in the Saarland at the corner of 3 countries (Dreiländereck) Germany, France and Luxembourg was formative to shaping his idea of cross border cooperation. Benno Haffner started his professional career in Africa where he was responsible for the technical assistance of EC financed development cooperation projects in the republic of Niger. In 1963 he married Frauke Eckel and out of this strong union were born three daughters: Christine, Susanne, Marianne.
He dedicated his career to development cooperation in Sub Saharan Africa with engagement for the poor and poorest, sometimes in conflict and disaster ridden countries where he headed the European Commission representations in Niger, Somalia, Burkina Faso Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mauritius.
Benno Haffner was born on 28 February 1931 in Saarlouis, to Berta, Petronella Immaculata Haffner (born Gombert) and Aloys Haffner. As oldest of 3 sons, he spent his childhood and schooling in Saarlouis where he received a humanistic secondary education. Studies in Munich and then in Aachen led him, in 1958, to earn a Degree in Engineering (Dipl. Ing.).
Growing up in the Saarland at the corner of 3 countries (Dreiländereck) Germany, France and Luxembourg was formative to shaping his idea of Europe and cross border cooperation.
Respectful cooperation, a gift for delegation and coordination are some of the qualities his co-workers raised about Benno Haffner. Shaped by a deep sense of humanity and open towards everyone (irrespective of gender, rank or beliefs), Benno represented values and integrity which ran through his working and family life.
His immense sense of responsibility for ensuring the safety of his family was only possible through holding steadfastly together through sometimes not easy situations and multiple adjustments when moving from one posting to another every 3 to 4 years. (steadfast cohesion).
This collection was initiated by Benno Haffner and his brother Medard Haffner.
They both loved Africa and travelled widely across West Africa to meet friends and art.