Financial Support Lays Foundation for Lasting Impacts - Osnabrück Savings Bank Donates to Balu's Mentoring Program
The Buddy System Beyond the Jungle: A Look at Balu and Du
Hailing from contrasting worlds, Balu and Mowgli, the dynamic duo from The Jungle Book, found camaraderie and learned a boatload from each other. This national mentoring program "Balu and Du" has a similar ethos: young adults ("Balus") guide primary school kids ("Moglis") through their life's journey for a year, learning and growing together by sharing experiences.
For numerous children, a level playing field and educational justice can prove elusive. The nationwide "Balu and Du" mentoring project has been forging connections between primary school children and young adults (ages 17-30) for over 20 years, using these partnerships to unlock the potential of the children and give them a fairer chance in life.
Currently, there are four operational locations in the Osnabrück district with 80 active pairs (as of 15.10.24) – the "Balus" attend grammar schools in Bad Essen, Bramsche, Georgsmarienhütte, and Melle while the "Moglis" are enrolled in 32 partner primary schools. The district, the bank, and the Balu and Du association all agree that more pairs need to benefit from the program.
"Supporting this program from Balu and Du opens doors for children in the Osnabrück region. We are overjoyed to back it, as it's not just about money – it's about making a difference in the lives of young people in our community," states Johannes Hartig, CEO of Sparkasse Osnabrück.
"We are thankful to Sparkasse Osnabrück for helping make our project sustainable in our region by means of their contribution. This is also pleasing for the grammar schools involved in our association, and we hope to extend Balu and Du to new locations through funding support," comments district councilor Matthias Selle.
With a donation of 86,100 euros for the years 2024-2026, Sparkasse Osnabrück secures the continued existence of the four locations and lays the groundwork for the program's stabilization and expansion in the district. The donation ceremony took place at the Sparkasse. "Balu and Du extends its gratitude to Sparkasse Osnabrück for making it possible for young people to volunteer and offer support to primary school children," says Dr. Dominik Esch, chair of the association.
Press Release/Sparkasse Osnabrück
The Balu and Du mentoring program forges connections between young adults and primary school children, fostering growth in a supportive relationship. In a setting that encourages enjoyable activities, these ongoing partnerships promote social skills, confidence, and personal development for children while giving young adults meaningful community engagement opportunities.
Through weekly meetings with primary school children, mentors can gain practical experience and a heightened sense of social responsibility. In the case of university students, such mentoring can form part of Service-Learning projects, enhancing their academic skills and community involvement. For primary school children, the program provides unique experiences and support that can bolster their educational and emotional development.
The financial support provided by Sparkasse Osnabrück plays a vital role in the continuing success and growth of the Balu and Du program's activities in the Osnabrück district. This generosity exemplifies Sparkasse Osnabrück's dedication to community development and education equality, enabling the program to not only survive, but to thrive and extend its reach to more children and young adults.
- The science of mentoring as exemplified by 'Balu and Du' transcends borders, fostering growth in relationships between young adults and primary school children.
- In a world that often neglects health-and-wellness and mental-health, programs like 'Balu and Du' serve as vital industry players, promoting holistic development for children.
- Whether you're an entrepreneurship major or a finance professional, the 'Balu and Du' mentoring program offers unique career opportunities, fostering leadership skills and diversity-and-inclusion awareness.
- Small-business owners can also participate in 'Balu and Du', using their skills-training for the betterment of younger generations, contributing to community development.
- The 'Balu and Du' program is more than a simple educational initiative; it's a stepping stone for lifelong learning in personal-growth, career-development, and education-and-self-development.
- The finance industry can support 'Balu and Du' as a means of contributing to banking-and-insurance sector's corporate social responsibility efforts while fostering future leaders with a sense of social responsibility.
- Through 'Balu and Du', the entrepreneurial spirit flourishes as young adults engage in leadership roles, guiding primary school children and fostering a culture of innovation.
- In the realm of fintech, supporting 'Balu and Du' not only contributes to education equality but also offers unique partnership opportunities for forward-thinking businesses.
- 'Balu and Du' fosters the spirit of giving and community involvement, aligning with the values of numerous industries, continually evoking positive change in the lives of children and young adults.
- The future growth of 'Balu and Du' depends on the continued support of organizations that prioritize the well-being of our youth, shaping a brighter future for all by breaking down barriers and opening doors to a world of endless possibilities.
