2021
To life (November)
Marpod house number 111: There is a lot of activity in the courtyard, a village within a village. We make pottery, music, cook and pray together. The home of Ruth Zenkert and Father Georg Sporschill becomes a center for exchange, regeneration and energy creation. The residents of the “comunitate” are part of a large family through morning prayers, long walks and encounters with interested visitors. “Le Chaim” (Hebrew: To Life) is confirmed here every day: the farm is a source of life, a place of arrival and security.
The chariots of fire of our time (October)
Firefighters from Austria/Vorarlberg are not only bringing all sorts of delicious sausages, dishes and bicycles from their homeland, but also two professionals. They get the wheels rolling again and lay the foundation for a “clinica de bicicletele” at the construction yard in Marpod. Tudor, a Romanian employee, is busy screwing and oiling for a week. He can use his newly acquired knowledge to ensure the long-term maintenance of the donated bicycles, as well as to teach young bicycle healers how to use gears, steering and lights. Bilingually labeled boxes of dynamos, brake cables, in short everything related to the modern fire chariot are available.
Opening of the social center in Marpod (October)
The new Sokeres social center in Marpod opened its doors in autumn. The children from the village come to eat, learn and play. They feel comfortable in the protected environment. There is a consultation room for parents. ELIJAH is just beginning here, the friendships with the families and children are growing.
Blessing for a new children's home in Hosman (September)
Casa Ilie, a house for twelve children, named after the prophet ELIJAH, was ceremoniously opened. The Orthodox Father Câlin, together with Father Georg Sporschill SJ, blessed every single child and the house.
Between the ages of 7 and 15, they come from Sibiu and the surrounding area, from difficult families. ELIJAH is breaking new ground, the protégés come directly through the youth welfare office. You will visit the local school and be together with the children from the social center and the music school.
Finally Raven Dance again (July)
ELIJAH’s traditional raven dance could take place again this summer, but only on a small scale. Throughout the Corona year, the prospect of this festival was a great incentive for children and young people to make music, sing and dance in preparation for the big day.
It took place in both music schools, in Hosman and in Nou, to ensure that as many parents as possible could participate.
Art project (June)
A pottery workshop with Angela King and Theresia Bickel took place in June. Children from Nou, Ţichindeal and Marpod took part – creating stars and wonderful greeting cards.
Finally spring! (May)
Our children are thriving again outdoors! They play in front of the municipal library in Marpod, which ELIJAH can use as a social space. Social workers provide support with school homework and look after students in the afternoon.
The ball is running again (April)
Despite the weather, the Casa Martin social center organized a small football tournament. Teams from Ţichindeal, Marpod, Nocrich, Hosman and Nou were able to take part. The medals they won were worn with pride by the children!
Ceramics from Marpod (March)
https://elijah.at/en/projekte/our-projects/ausbildung-und-arbeit/building-yard/pottery/The expanded pottery workshop in Marpod is finished now and in use, providing another line of training for women and young people. A first workshop on ceramic art took place and aroused great interest. Beautiful bowls, jugs and ceramic ravens are created.
Settlement Cartier Caroline (January/February)
There are six houses into which Roma families have already moved. Foundations for five more houses stick out of the snow. The newly built houses nestle beautifully on the side of the path above the village. The families have moved up – from the misery in the huts down by the stream. Here they are warm in permanent houses, with water in the house and their own toilet for the first time.
Successful semester (January)
All children completed the first semester of online lessons, many of them even with excellent grades. We have set up old computers in the social centers so that the children can follow the online lessons. Afterwards, our teachers help with homework.
