Information about the association
The "Ausbildungshilfe - Christian Education Fund e.V." is a welfare organization of the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck.
Since 1960 this association has given thousands of talented persons from a poor background the chance to take on responsible positions in their society. Át the moment about 2,700 young people are learning a trade, visiting school or completing university studies with the help of the Ausbildungshilfe.
The fund is entirely supported by voluntary donations as well as the collections taken during the confirmation services in all the congregations of the Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck.
Read some success stories by former beneficiaries here.
For more information mail us: ausbildungshilfe@ekkw.de
A short history of the association
The Ausbildungshilfe began with a sermon. First Sunday in Advent 1959 in Wellerod
In the parish church of Wellerode (near Kassel) Rev. Wilhelm Jung gave his farewell sermon and spoke about Jesus' entry to Jerusalem. Shortly before, he had heard about the difficult situation of Christians in India who were not able to afford education for their children. The congregation of Wellerode promised to collect 80 German marks (DM) per month for three years.
1960
In the districts of Hersfeld and Kassel the "Ausbildungsnothilfe" (Emergency Education Fund) for south India" was founded. In the first year nearly 14,000 DM were donated.
1962
Cameroon and Southwest Africa (Namibia) were included for support.
1966
The association is named Ausbildungshilfe für junge Christen in Asien und Afrika (Education Fund for young Christians in Asia and Africa).
1968
It is decided to extend the field of the Ausbildungshilfe to the whole area of the Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck. In this way the support is given not only to the partner churches founded by the former Basler Mission, but also to those connected with the former Rhinish and Hermannsburger Missionary Societies.
Rev. Wilhelm Jung, now responsible for missionary activities of the Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck, is appointed General Secretary.
1969
The income is practically doubled to nearly 198,000 DM. The regional church finances a part time secretary for the administration.
1970
For the first time all the collections from confirmation services in the regional church of Kurhessen-Waldeck are taken for the benefit of the Ausbildungshilfe.
1972
The church of Kurhessen-Waldeck fulfils its tasks in the world mission "in cooperation with the three missionary societies and the Ausbildungshilfe” according to a resolution passed by the Church Council.
1975
All the dioceses of the newly created "Evangelical-Lutheran Church in South Africa" (ELCSA) are accepted into the scholarship fund.
1977
Annual income exceeds more than half a million DM for the first time.
1979
The first scholarship holder in Namibia, Hendrik Frederik, becomes President (and later Bishop) of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Namibia.
1990
For the 30th anniversary a history of the association is published with the title "The beginning of a hope". At this time the association is active in:
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Namibia
- Botswana
- South Africa
- India
- Indonesia
2003
The Annual General Meeting unanimously votes to rename the Association as "Ausbildungshilfe - Christian Education Fund".
2008
An Endowment Fund is inaugurated to secure a regular income from interest on capital.
For the first time the Fund is active outside Asia and Africa, supporting a project of further education in indigenous culture for school teachers in Brazil.
2010
The Golden Jubilee is celebrated in Kassel with guests from India, Tanzania and other countries. The keynote address is given by Bishop John Sadananda from the CSI Diocese Karnataka South, Mangalore/India. He honours the founder of the Fund, Rev. Wilhelm Jung.
