At the end of October 2023, the members of the "Förderverein Freundeskreis Friedensau International e.V." (FFF) met for a weekend on which the annual general meeting took place, we were able to celebrate Sabbath together and experienced an evening in which we were informed about current topics that affect us as a university.
Founding of the association 33 years ago
In 1990, former Friedensau students, employees and, from 1991, current students joined together in an association to support the university both financially and in terms of ideas. Over the course of 30 years, numerous building projects and purchases for teaching and life at Friedensau have been supported by membership fees, the proceeds of the Waltraud and Herbert Blomstedt Foundation and other donations. A few years ago, we divided the funding projects more strictly between the University Foundation and the Friends of Friedensau: The FFF now almost exclusively supports students. Since it was founded, over EUR 1 million could be invested directly or indirectly in people. This is done, for example, through the establishment of DAAD or Germany scholarships, where half of the scholarship amount is provided by a private sponsor and state bodies double this amount.
In this way, around EUR 13,500 in donations are turned into EUR 27,000 per year, which can be awarded as scholarships to nine students who use it to cover their tuition fees and living expenses. Emergency financial aid is also available, for example in the event of an unexpected illness. We are currently enabling a family from Ghana to visit their father, who is studying theology with us and was diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer in the spring. The FFF also supports our students' study trip to Tanzania, where community, school and infrastructure projects are being carried out.
How students are supported
Student support is also provided by awarding prizes for outstanding academic and artistic achievements or social commitment. This is a way of recognising and valuing the progress made in the knowledge and personal development of our students. By reporting here on the work of the FFF, we would also like to cordially thank the approximately 650 members and donors of the Friends' Association for their outstanding support of our students.
Join us!
The association Freundeskreis Friedensau e.V. needs members – why don't you join? We will be happy to send you a membership form – or click on the link on the website https://freundeskreis-friedensau.de to become a member and invest with us in people who will be a blessing to churches and fellow human beings.
Tobias H. Koch, Chancellor
