Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) recently welcomed Philippinenhilfe, a German-based organization, for a week-long celebration of social justice and community partnership. From March 20-25, 2023, the organization’s leaders, Rev. Walter and Mrs. Hedwig Rothlehner, along with Christoph Remböck, Anna Barthel, Moritz Remböck, and Julia Mayr, visited various communities that ADDU partners with.
During their visit, Philippinenhilfe connected with different communities, including the “Duyog” feeding initiative, Ateneo Shoe Academy (ASA), ACCESS Mindanao, and Amuma Weekend Tutorial communities. They have been supporting ASA since 2018, which has trained three batches of scholars in shoe making and leather crafts, primarily from indigenous peoples’ communities. They have also been supporting the Duyog feeding initiative since 2019, which serves malnourished children in eleven barangays across the city, with plans to expand and include more barangays and communities.
Aside from their community visits, Philippinenhilfe also explored ADDU’s different campuses and the local sights of Davao city. The highlight of their visit was the special citation awarded to the organization during the Bergoglio Awards 2023.
The partnership between Philippinenhilfe and ADDU exemplifies their unwavering commitment to social justice and community development. Their shared efforts have made a positive impact on the lives of many Filipinos in Davao City and beyond, proving that collaboration and partnership can create meaningful change.
Article and Photos by the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC)