Auroville International (AVI) Germany

The German Government set up the Weltwärts programme to allow young Germans to volunteer in a different country for 6-18 months in areas like education, health, environment, culture and human rights, in order to broaden their minds and strengthen international understanding.

Friederike Mühlhans has a long experience of working for Auroville International (AVI). Since 1997 she has been a board member of AVI Germany and since 2003 she has been Secretary of the AVI Board, with a four-year break when she served as Chairperson.

Abishek, a youth from Annai Nagar village, recently spent 18 months volunteering in Germany, as part of the Weltwärtsprogramme.

Long-term AVI Germany board member Thomas Dreyer passed away on 6 January after a long and serious illness. Thomas was the main project manager of the German Weltwärts volunteers programme, supported by his wife Birgit.

Long-term Friend of Auroville and Auroville International Germany member Uschi Ernst, passed away on Sunday 3 May at the age of 80. Her health had been gradually weakening this last half year.

Some of the organizers and participants reflect upon the recent workshop. Friederike, a member of AVI Germany, was instrumental in bringing the visiting experts while Auroville International helped fund the event.

On December 15th, surrounded by friends, Ursula Mack left her body in her house in Samasti after a long period of gradual and peaceful withdrawal.

The Auroville International (AVI) Centres held their biannual meeting in Auroville in February. After the meetings, some members of the new Board met with Auroville Today to discuss how they perceive their role, the main challenges facing them, and their hopes for the future.