An aid project set up by Grupo Primavera in Campinas, Brazil, in 1990 marked the start of an initiative by Bosch associates. Since then, the initiative has spread to other Bosch Group locations in India, China, Mexico, Malaysia and the Philippines with a range of projects designed to help children. The first project also determined the name of the initiative – Primavera e.V. Current and former Bosch Group associates work within the organization to provide ongoing support for children who live in slums, thereby opening up new opportunities for them. All these associates are volunteers, which ensures that 100 percent of all donations go directly to the projects. While 2008 was a record year for the organization, when it raised its highest total to date of over 430,000 euros, 2009 saw donations slump by around 40 percent due to the economic crisis.
One of the new projects launched in 2009 is a school project near Bangalore. The “Shanti Bhavan” (place of peace) boarding school is located in a rural area approximately 40 kilometers from Bangalore. The school aims to provide children from the lowest social caste – the “untouchables” – with a decent upbringing and education. The staff at Shanti Bhavan are committed to passing on values that reinforce social skills, promote tolerance and instill a sense of responsibility. Children stay in contact with their families through visits and vacations. The hope is that the children can pass on the experiences and values they have gained at school to their family and neighbors.
In Mexico, Primavera extended its support for a project that aims to improve equipment and facilities in schools based in poor areas. Back in 2007, the “Me gusta mi escuela” (I like going to school) project was founded jointly by Bosch Mexico and Primavera, with additional support from the international aid organization “United Way”. Starting with two school partnerships in Mexico City and Toluca, schools in other areas were soon added. What's more, not only do Bosch associates donate money – which Bosch Mexico continues to double – they also give their time in very practical ways. For example, they help to construct new rooms or improve the lighting and infrastructure. They also organize collections of books, clothes and food for the disadvantaged children, thereby helping to significantly improve their living conditions and environment.
Through its aid work, Primavera e.V., just like Grupo Primavera in Campinas, has given hope to children and young people in countless other projects since 1990. Despite the drop in donations in what has been a turbulent 2009, Primavera can continue to support all planned projects with the aid of ad-hoc activities and initiatives, even if it may not be able to accept all applications for 2010 in full. It would be great if, in the year of its 20th anniversary, Primavera could beat the odds by realizing this ambition and moving closer to its record 2008 figures. Many children would be extremely grateful to the organization, its supporters and its donors.
