In the northern Indian state of Rajasthan – a region particularly affected by poverty and the consequences of climate change – many people lack basic prospects. Children in particular suffer from difficult living conditions: Malnutrition, lack of schooling and unsafe living conditions often characterize their everyday lives. Thanks to a donation from the internationally active company Zschimmer & Schwarz, 50 children from particularly disadvantaged families have been given the chance of a better future with education, healthy nutrition and a safe place to live. The donation is part of Zschimmer & Schwarz's regular company-wide donation campaign. This project was nominated for support by Dr. Christoph Riemer, CEO of the Zschimmer & Schwarz Group. It was implemented by Friends-for-Hope e. V. (Munich) in cooperation with the local organization Barefoot College (Rajasthan).

The donation of 10,000 euros was used in the 2023/24 school year to finance accommodation, meals and schooling for 50 children living on the Barefoot College campus and attending the state-approved private school Shiksha Niketan during the day. Many of these children come from migrant worker families or belong to the so-called “untouchable” caste. In their families of origin, regular school attendance would be virtually impossible due to poverty, labor migration or the threat of early marriage. A special focus is placed on supporting girls in order to specifically promote equal opportunities and gender equality.

“The progress these children have made despite all the obstacles, especially many of the young girls, is extremely impressive,” says Dr. Christoph Riemer, CEO of the Zschimmer & Schwarz Group and initiator of the sponsorship. “Our support not only helps them learn to read, write and speak English, it also gives the children a sense of security, self-confidence and new perspectives, especially in terms of vocational training and future, professional opportunities.”

For decades, the Barefoot College in the village of Tilonia has pursued a holistic approach to education that is geared toward the children’s actual living situation. In the 2024/25 school year, the model was further developed: new educational concepts, ecologically optimized school buildings, a child-friendly library and digital learning content expand educational opportunities.

“Education should not be a privilege. It is a human right and the foundation for a self-determined life,” emphasizes Dagmar von Tschurtschenthaler, who oversees the project at Friends-for-Hope e. V. “Thanks to the support of Zschimmer & Schwarz, children can escape the cycle of poverty through education and care.”

“Barefoot College” is one of 39 projects across Europe, North and South America as well as Asia supported by Zschimmer & Schwarz as part of the donation campaign with a total sum of around 350,000 euros. “For more than 130 years, our family company Zschimmer & Schwarz has consistently laid the focus of our activities on our fellow human beings. With this philosophy, we aim to give something valuable back to society,” explains Dr. Monica Börner, family shareholder of the Zschimmer & Schwarz Group. “We are happy to support initiatives of our employees and to involve ourselves in projects that deliver direct and sustainable effects at our business locations,” adds Thomas Schwarz, also family shareholder of Zschimmer & Schwarz.  

Support for the project in India has proven to be a great success: All 50 sponsored students have successfully completed the 2023/2024 school year and started the 2024/2025 school year. In order to promote the work of Barefoot College in a sustainable way, the regional company Zschimmer & Schwarz India Private Limited is planning to continue this important commitment. Continuity and regional embeddedness will help to strengthen the project in the long term.