In an Upper Swabian town, an extraordinary and innovative project of collaberation with developing countries is taking shape. What is happening in Oggelsbeuren? For about a year, a steering committe has been preoccupied with finding a solution for turning a building complex in Oggelsbeuren that once housed an orphanage into a future- oriented project. The complex, which includes several buildings, a workshop and acreage, served as a rehabilitation clinic for addicts until April of 2012. It had room to accommodate 60 patients. These buildings, which belong to the Piuspflege Foundation in Oggelsbeuren near Biberach on the Riss, are located in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Bussen, Upper Swabia‘s Holy Mountain, which lies 40 km to the south of Ulm, 80 km to the north of Lake Constance, (the Bodensee), 170 km to the west of Munich, and 120 km north-east of Freiburg in Baden-Wuerttemberg, near the border of Bavaria. Picture below (upper picture)– Old building, new building with Church in background (Lower picture) Old building and Church Altbau, Neubau sowie Kirche im Hintergrund 1 This idyllic, picturesque setting was tarnished by accusations of molestation. These charges cannot be dismissed. Much grief was caused by unscrupulous individuals even here. However, therapy was undertaken, in close co-operation with the Diocese of Rottenburg- Stuttgart. This foundation of ecclesiastic law, which has been based in this location in Oggelsbeuren since 1860, is supervised by an administrative council. According to the charter, the executive position of the foundation is occupied by the respective priest of St. Johannes Baptist. He is assisted by an administrative council. Through sponsorship by the Caritas, this facility has been a home to people from all over, from orphans to civil war refugees from Bosnia- Herzegovina, and since 2007, to residents of the Zieglerischen Anstalten (institutes). In addition, it has served as a rehabilitation center for addicts with an immigration background. Since 2009, the executive position is no longer occupied by the local priest.The notice of termination by the present tenant, effective as of 31.3.2012, forced the administrative council to consider new ways of utilizing the existing premises. 2 Who are the participants? Consequently, a steering committee was formed, which is designed to lead and supervise the process of finding new ways to utilize the existing premises. The multi-faceted talents these members brought to the table were of great benefit to the endeavor. The executive of the foundation, Rector Father Alfred Toennis OMI, is contributing his talents in the organisational development and initiation of foundations as well as to new and creative concepts in spiritual guidance and counseling. The chairman of the administrative council, Mayor Eugen Engler, is contributing years of professional experience in administration, leadership, political activities (including the County Council of Biberach) and foundation work to the table. Adolf Ilg, an educator MEd (Diplom Paedagoge), is contributing 30 years of professional leadership expertise in juvenile social work as well leadership skills in the institutional care of the disabled and handicapped. Ralf Waidner, an educator and graduate in business administration, is contributing 20 years of experience in administrative and management leadership in social services for juveniles and the elderly as well as extensive expertise in committee work. Thomas Fettback, a fully qualified lawyer, served as Lord Mayor of Biberach on the Riss between 1994 and 2012. During this time, the city of Biberach made a name for itself regarding its partnership among six active partner cities as well as within the framework of integration of people with an immigration background. Prior to this position, he served as the leading administrative official and personal consultant to the Lord Mayor of Singen near Hohentwiel. Klaus Tappeser, an educator MEd (Diplom Paedagoge) Klaus Tappeser is the fifth individual in this group. Formerly the department head for social services in Ravensburg, Lord Mayor of Rottenburg and 3 lastly, the Director of the Ministry of Science, Reserach and Art, he brings multi-faceted expertise in the development of organizations and project managment to the table. This steering comittee has now spent over a year on developing a new concept. In this endeavor, they need not only keep the past history of the premises in mind, but also the local rural culture and environment. Development of the Idea During this process, a clear direction emerged: the development of collaborative teamwork, however, not in the traditional and accustomed thought pattern, but in an innovative and forward-looking paradigm. The committe created a concept which it illustrated in 22 pages, candidly documenting a variety of directions and ideas. This concept of a living, educational, and development center (LEBZ)was being confirmed time and again through various discussions at different levels. What is so innovative about this? In the spirit of inclusion, the Piuspflege wants to take in refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and individuals from similar environments. Due to excellent local connections and a variety of societal circles, this adoption will not only constitute an act of adoption; it can at the same time become an enrichment for the local population and institutions as well. Engagement of volunteers acting as „integration pioneers“ can be initiated and developed – as well as individual chaperonage by Swabian families or by immigrants who have already found a thome here. In addition, the placement of immigrant families to other suitable places can be encouraged and promoted through the inclusion of integration pioneers, as well as through families and communities who are willing to accept these immigrants. In this way, network connections could be built that enrich all participants who belong to them. 4 The new – temporary – residents of the Piuspflege could possibly come from Egpyt, Syria, Nigeria or from the East – this would have to be defined by the collaborating partners. A revision of present attitudes is necessary on many levels. We could possibly become a model for such an attitude-changing process. An additional step we could try to take is to empower the new residents of the Piuspflege to help their country men in their respective homelands to help themselves. Perhaps this can be accomplished with collaborative partners from the local business/industrial and economic sector, which includes a number of large local companies. The interest appears to be there. Is it possible to help with local development with concerted effort ?? The refugees/immigrants/asylumseekers could in this way be encouraged to possibly return to their homeland some day. A further possibility would be to take in a gradually growing number of approximately 50 individuals, including families with handicapped children. An interesting situation might be a homogeneous group – maybe from one village? A second key aspect that could be promoted in Oggelsbeuren are educational opportunities in various fields of cooperative developmental work. We also presented the idea of a living, development and educational center (LEBZ) to a professional who worked over 30 years in the developmental field in Africa and the Sudan. He writes: „It is with great interest that I read about a facility that serves as an international meeting place. There are many aspects which touch on my professional experience. After all, I freelanced for the AGEH for several years, where I prepared professionals for international service. My biggest concern always were intercultural skills. In my opinion, there is still a big need for educational institutions in this field. After all, international services are not the only ones in need of educated personnel, other sectors include the police departments and political foundations, and increasingly, the private sector. Unfortunately, international encounters frequently are a one-way street. The 5 willingness to invite people from other cultural groups in order to share and exchange cross cultural experiences is often missing. The need is especially great in the work with young people and in the area of justice and peace. I am experiencing this in the south of the Sudan on a daily basis, especially in the dealing with UN organizations. To give displaced people from areas of conflicts and civil strife a future is part of a valuable peace activity, which we need in Germany as well. I find the combination of both endeavors under one roof, the work with refugees, together with intercultural education, very fascinating. And the agricultural components .... are self-explanatory for me. I can see myself participating in it!! What advantages are in Oggelsbeuren? Positive factors that speak for Oggelsbeuren as a good place for such an innovative concept of collaboration with developing countries are the regional economic conditions, the extremely capable members of the steering committee and board of directors, the excellent motivation of a number of local families, and the community as a whole. All of them are ready to answer the momentary outcry for help and support from people around the world. The facilities are in excellent conditions, the fire protection equipment is almost new, as are many parts of the roof. The layout of the rooms allows vor various partitions and uses. The farm with its outbuidlings and acreage is still leased. The two shops – a carpentry and metal shop – are fully equipped. Everything is ready to use on short notice. Photos of the facilities are attached. Several people from various professional and trade fields (carpentry, school, and medical practice, etc.) would like to particiapte on a volunteer basis. 6 Unemployment is around 0, and there is a need of labor. The community of Oggelsbeuren and the community of Attenweiler are open to the whole concept as long as it is successfully incorporated into the fabric of the community. A mutual trust exists between the District Office (Landratsamt) and other responsible representatives of society and church.