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Bucher Porträts
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Technical Relief Organisation (THW)
„We can use almost anyone“
For the same length of time negotiations have been underway with the Pankow region regarding the new location on what used to be a civil defense site between the autobahn, the River Panke and the S-Bahn. „We have now found our dream site here in Buch“, enthused Mathias Neumann, who has been the local representative of the Pankow local committee since 2003.
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One their new site the THW uses a ruined building for recovery and rescue practice and there is a newly renovated barracks with training rooms and offices, as well as a hall for 18 trucks. „We can also make lots of noise here without disturbing anyone“, says Neumann. Their lease runs until 2013.
Every one of the 65 members – they are called helpers in the THW – of the Pankow local committee are volunteers. Like them ca. 70.000 THW helpers throughout the Federal Republic – give their free time to offer technical assistance wherever it is needed around the world. The work of the many honorary staff is coordinated by the Federal Institute for Technical Relief which also provides money for materials and technical equipment.
The activities can be very varied. In many cases the Pankow THW helpers are consulted by the fire brigade when heavy equipment needs to be removed after fires. Other typical activities include the removal of storm damaged material and pumping out flooded cellars. In the case of power failures, the Pankow local committee helps with its emergency power generators. „Of course, we remember particularly the spectacular work carried out during the flooding of the Oder in 1997 and the Elbe high water in 2002. Everyone took part“, says Mathias Neumann. They have also provided assistance in other countries, for example after the 2000 hurricane in France or by providing emergency transport facilities in the countries of the former Soviet Union.
Who can join in? „The only prerequisites are a liking for teamwork, reliability, the desire to help and good general health. Following basic training, each person is allocated to a job depending on their ability. “ – This is how Mathias Neumann answers this question.
Every Thursday at 19.00 the Pankow helpers meet for training. „We are a very mixed bunch, including the unemployed, heavy vehicle mechanics, engineers and senate employees“, says Mathias Neumann describing the composition of his group. Women are welcome too and, at the moment, they represent about 12 percent of the Pankow THW.
If their services are required when they are at work, their employer has to allow them leave of absence. „However, we do our best to recruit those for whom leave of absence is not a problem. All our helpers are almost never needed at the same time“, says Mathias Neumann.
The Pankow THW helpers are particularly proud of their youth group – the largest in Berlin with 25 members. Many adults were members when they were children and they now bring their own children along. In the THW, the children and young people learn how to provide help in emergencies but this is done in a relaxed way. „Going on trips together, sporting events and taking part in competitions encourage solidarity within the group. A very sensible leisure activity for young people“, is how Mathias Neumann sees it. The THW works closely with other organizations and initiatives, which need children and young people.
Mathias Neumann also regards work in the THW as a form of personal enrichment. He now recommends that everyone takes part in an honorary organization. „Helping in the community can only reinforce one’s own abilities. We can use anyone.“
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At this site you will find portraits of Buch's citizens and institutions that we think you will be interested in. New ones will be dispalyed each month.
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