Bartholomew Society
| Bartholomäus Society V. | |
|---|---|
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| legal form | Registered association |
| founding | May 14, 1993 |
| Seat | Unterpleichfeld |
| main emphasis | Supporting the work of the Catholic Indian Order of the Society of the Helpers of Mary |
| Chair | Ernst Pulsfort |
| Members | 1,301 |
| Website | www.bartholomaeus.org |
The Bartholomäus Society e. V.'s goal is the work of the Catholic Order of the Indian Society of the Helpers of Mary (Society of the Helpers of Mary) in the slums, orphanages and leper colonies of India , Ethiopia and Kenya to support material.
It is particularly important to the association that the help that is made possible by its members and donors reaches the people who also need it without detours. In addition, the projects launched are intended to provide targeted support to the local people without them losing their independence. In the past, the Bartholomäus-Gesellschaft was able to achieve this goal thanks to the extremely low administrative costs (1.5%) and the voluntary work of the members (throughout Germany) and sisters on site. The association is also part of the Andheri support group, in which several organizations work together and coordinate.
history
When several thousand people died and became homeless in massacres between Hindus and Muslims in Calcutta and Bombay at the turn of 1992/93, the Helpers of Mary set up refugee and homeless camps in the slum of Bombay-Dharawi.
The misery in Dharawi and the call of the Helpers of Mary for quick help led to the founding of the Bartholomäus-Gesellschaft e. V. Name giver for the association was the apostle Bartholomäus , who preached the Gospel in the area of Bombay .
Society of the Helpers of Mary
Society of the Helpers of Mary was founded as a group of young women by the German nun Anna Huberta Roggendorf during the Second World War. The order has set itself the task of giving the poor not only alms, but above all love and thus giving them back the awareness of their human dignity.
The Society of the Helpers of Mary is now active in over 40 stations across India, in three stations in Ethiopia and one station in Kenya. As a relatively small congregation with around 300 sisters, this order has become known in Germany through the Bartholomäus Society, among others.
Projects
Elephantiasis
The “ Elephantiasis ” project is being carried out at three locations in western Ethiopia: in Konchi, Sakko and Karro. It includes the training of shoemakers who make special shoes for those affected and thus alleviate the disease. In addition, those affected are helped with special washes and ointments.
Well construction
Animal feces and urine repeatedly lead to contaminated water, which in turn causes diarrhea. As part of this project, the supply of clean drinking water is ensured by building wells. Separate water drains and basins are created for the animals.
House building sponsorship
This project supports families who are exposed to heat, storms and floods without fixed accommodation. They fall ill with malaria, diarrhea, tuberculosis etc. and can therefore often no longer go about their work. It is therefore important to create weather-resistant apartments for these families that also meet minimum hygienic standards (e.g. toilets).
Regional House
New homes for the local sisters are also needed to support the Helpers of Mary with administration and training. These also serve as contact points for women in the respective countries. You will find help and support there.
Kindergarten and school education
In the kindergarten project, the children receive the necessary food and are prepared for school enrollment. Sponsors then take over the school fees for the children in the school education project. This means that additional education over the six years of compulsory schooling in Ethiopia as well as school clothing can be financed.
literature
- Angelika Cromme: Nakusha life for love. With the Helpers of Mary. May 2007, Westkreuz-Verlag, ISBN 3929592967