Arbeiterwohlfahrt: Volunteers Cook and Mentor in Berlin
• • John Doe
Volunteers Serve Meals and Companionship at Awo Clubhouse
The Arbeiterwohlfahrt (Awo), a welfare association in Berlin, offers a safe haven and social gathering place for its members. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, volunteers prepare meals, costing just 5.50 Euros, for mostly elderly and lonely members from the neighborhood. Besides a warm lunch, they also serve coffee and cake, and host bingo games.
“For many, this is a highlight in their everyday life,” says Antje Waldschmidt, coordinator for Awo’s southeast district.
“Many of our guests don’t know it’s Christmas Eve,” says Bahar Kizmaz, manager of the Bahnhofsmission at Berlin’s Ostbahnhof. “It’s our job to make them feel seen and heard, even if they don’t celebrate the holiday.”
Bahar Kizmaz, manager of the Bahnhofsmission at Berlin’s Ostbahnhof
Offering More Than Meals: The Mentoring Project
Volunteers don’t just provide meals; they also offer guidance and support. In Awo’s mentoring project, a volunteer is paired with someone who needs help with a specific topic. It could be learning German, navigating smartphones, or managing age-related concerns. In the best-case scenario, the relationship benefits both parties.
“We have many retired teachers who teach German,” Waldschmidt says. “One 80-year-old teacher is currently mentoring a 24-year-old man from Pakistan who works in a bar but wants to improve his language skills.”
How to Get Involved
- Join the team of volunteers: More info here.
- Find out about Awo’s offers: Check their website or look for notices in the meeting place.
Upcoming Event: Summer Party for Volunteers and Participants
The Awo management plans to host a summer party in the garden of the meeting place to express their gratitude to volunteers and participants. The event is made possible through donations from readers of the Tagesspiegel who are taking part in the “Help People” Christmas campaign.