Heinrich-Rodenstein-Fund

The GEW’s Heinrich Rodenstein Fund

There are many countries in the world where people engaged in democratic and trade union activity still confront major personal risks. The teaching profession is particularly affected by this. Democratically committed teachers are frequently a thorn in the flesh of those who wield power. Men and women working in education may be intimidated or repressed and are often exposed to violence. Columbia has been high on the oppression list for many years: dozens of teachers are murdered each year after resisting corruption and abuses of power by engaging in local politics or in their trade union FECODE. Things are not much better in Ethiopia. Or Nepal. Our colleagues in the poorer and poorest countries are often most vulnerable, and their plight may be compounded by natural disasters.

This is where the GEW can help by offering practical solidarity and material relief between colleagues, helping others to help themselves. As a structure for this trade union solidarity the GEW set up an aid fund in 1981 and named it after Heinrich Rodenstein. He was a founder of the GEW after the Second World War and committed reformer and trade unionist. Heinrich Rodenstein fled into exile under the Nazi regime and survived persecution and war thanks to the help he was given by others.

What kind of help?

The Fund helps teachers who are threatened or persecuted because of their trade union commitment or for political motives. It also offers relief to colleagues who face need because of natural disasters. It does not work by supporting the aid organisations, but provides individual aid in specific cases, e.g.

Where does the money come from? Where does it go?

The Heinrich Rodenstein Fund (HRF) is maintained by individual donations from teachers. The GEW issues appeals, ensures media coverage and organises events. Up-to-date reports can be found on the GEW website. The National Executive of the GEW assumes the administrative costs. This ensures that 100% of the money received can be passed straight on to the people who need it. The HRF Board, working closely with the GEW’s National Executive, decides how to allocate the funds.

Through its international work and its close cooperation with Education International (EI), the GEW remains well informed about where our colleagues are in distress and where the HRF is needed. But requests for help can also be made directly to the HRF.