Technisches Hilfswerk (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)
More than 75.000 volunteers are involved in the work of the THW at 666 stations situated all over the country.
During train disasters, road accidents, floods as well as for several salvages inside and outside of Germany the members of the THW offer their professional knowledge and skills. To be able to solve all problems the THW is confronted with efficiently, standard rescue forces as well as specialized groups are in operation. Tasks of those special forces are for example: building bridges, the search for trapped people, illuminating of the scene of a catastrophe, blasting, cooking or drinking water treatment. These groups are also called in to help after earthquakes, build emergency- or refuge camps and to help rebuilding other countries after catastrophes or wars.
The federal agency Technisches Hilfswerk is a governmental organization (GO) of the Republic of Germany and is subject to the department of the interior.
THW-Jugend
The
THW-Jugend e.V. (e.V. = registered association) is an independent
non-governmental organization (NGO), whose goal it is to get young citizens
effortlessly acquainted with the work of the THW. It was founded in 1984. Today
there are youth groups in nearly all of the 666 stations nationwide, with
altogether about 15.000 girls and boys who are lead and taught by 1.600 tutors.
Besides the training of skills for the tasks of the THW, those youth groups undertake many activities like hiking, boating or climbing and sports such as soccer, volleyball and basketball. Furthermore, cultural activities are held, e.g. visits to museums. Many groups arrange camps during the summer; every two years a big federal camp with more than 3000 participants takes place. In regional or federal competitions, the teenagers can give proof of their knowledge and skills.
For youngsters who like fun and
adventure, are interested in technology, want to meet new people who enjoy being
the member of a team the THW-Jugend is the right choice. “The playful
way of
learning how to help others“ is the motto for boys and girls between 10 and 1
7
years of age who want to become members. Being supervised and trained by
accomplished tutors of the THW in technical as well as pedagogic questions, the
boys and girls are very well looked after.
Presently the THW-Jugend for example has international contacts with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Russia, Poland, Tunisia and Switzerland. Our local groups that are found all over Germany cultivate these contacts through exchanges. Many of our groups are still looking forward to finding partners for this.
The THW-Jugend works internationally on three levels. First, there are exchange programs with leisure and cultural activities. Secondly collective humanitarian aid such as the rebuilding of kindergartens and other facilities for young people is done. Finally, of course also the exchange of technical skills and knowledge is encouraged. During these meetings, mutual training and exercises are taking place.
Certainly, most of the time combinations of those three branches are carried out.