On Sunday, 22 March, all Catholic parishes in Germany will be collecting for Misereor - it is the highlight of the annual Lenten campaign on the 5th Sunday of Lent. The episcopal aid organisation is calling for support to permanently improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people worldwide - together with around 3,000 project partners in 83 countries. This year, Misereor is focussing on exemplary projects in Cameroon.
The motto of this year's Lenten campaign is "The future starts here" and focuses on the education of young people in disadvantaged regions. This is particularly evident in Misereor's partner country Cameroon, where it is difficult for many to enter the labour market and training places are rare and often too expensive. "This is alarming in a country as young as Cameroon. The majority of people are under 35 years old - they are the future. With the collection on the 5th Sunday of Lent, let us send a powerful sign of solidarity that shows young people: We stand by your side," was the appeal from Franz Gulde, head of Misereor's education department.
Yesterday a schoolgirl, today a role model
Together with the Cameroonian partner organisation CODAS-Caritas Douala, Misereor enables young people to receive qualified vocational training, such as Pauline Maïday from Douala: after her tailoring apprenticeship at CODAS, she passes on her knowledge and experience to young people. "I want to encourage other women. If I've made it, they can make it too. I want to pass on the future," says Pauline Maïday with conviction. In this way, education becomes the initial spark for development that has an impact beyond the next generation and into society.
Solidarity in times of crisis
In the face of a geopolitical situation that is unsettling many people and global challenges such as the climate crisis, the Lenten campaign raises the question of our shared responsibility for a common future. And about our solidarity: "Especially now, it is important that we do not isolate ourselves, but share responsibility. Your donation is far more than just money - it is solidarity in action that creates prospects for a future worth living," emphasises Hannah Braucks, who is helping to organise the Lent campaign as an education officer.
