The charity organization

Agape was founded in 1991 by Christine Weitmann to provide access to education for the poorest children in the slums and villages of India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Tibet. But especially in the slums, AGAPE's schools offered the children not only education, but something much more important: a warm meal a day. In the course of her work for and with AGAPE e.V., Christine Weitmann built 18 schools and two orphanages, got the begging children off the streets and thus gave them a chance for a more self-determined life. She was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her persistent and courageous efforts. She has described her experiences through her work in the book "Tropfen höhlen Steine".

 

Most of the schools are now independent and are administered by the local authorities. Meanwhile, in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Tibet, the state is also increasingly involved in the care of orphans and slum children, which is why AGAPE can turn to new challenges: The human right to clean drinking water.

 

In May 2018 the qualified hydrogeologist Dr. Martin Maier was elected as Christine Weitmann's successor. His contacts with the University of Heidelberg enable him to develop new filter methods adapted to the needs and conditions in Bangladesh. The second chairman is Hans-Peter Hebel. Both are keen to continue the projects they have carried out to date and to continue to focus on education. Although there are now free primary schools in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Tibet, the children of the poorest families do not go to school because they are needed as labour in the fields. AGAPE also wants to give these children the opportunity to attend school.