International Partnership with Heart: The Balige Project

The “Balige Project” is a wonderful example of how lived diaconal work can connect people across countries and cultures. The Kaiserswerth Sisterhood has been working together with the Indonesian deaconess community IKADIWA of the Protestant Batak Church (HKBP) since the 1950s. Over many years, this partnership has grown into a close and meaningful connection that now also opens new opportunities for young nursing professionals.

As part of the project, young nursing students and future care workers from Indonesia are supported on their journey to Germany. Together with the HKBP and Kaiserswerth Diakonie, a professional cooperation has been developed that combines training, language learning and personal support. At the same time, the project is strongly supported by volunteers and the sisterhoods on both sides.

One special part of the project is the telephone partnership programme. Volunteers in Germany stay in regular contact with young people in Indonesia who are preparing for their German language exams and their future work in Germany. Through video calls, they speak together several times a week and practise everyday German in a personal and authentic way.

For the future care workers, this is much more than simple language training. They learn about everyday life in Germany, become familiar with cultural differences and gain confidence in speaking the language. At the same time, personal relationships are built that often continue long after the training period.

The volunteers in Germany also experience these meetings as something very valuable. They can directly see the progress of their conversation partners and support young people during an important stage of life. In many cases, the regular conversations lead to trust, mutual learning and real friendships.

The Balige Project is a strong example of how international diaconal partnerships can become real and meaningful through encounter, support and shared commitment to people.