Delmenhorst mourns: AWO legend Harald Groth chooses peace

Delmenhorst mourns: AWO legend Harald Groth chooses peace

With heavy hearts, the members of the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) say goodbye to Dr. Harald Groth, who died suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday during a treatment in Bad Salzuflen. The 82-year-old not only leaves a hole in the organization, but also in the hearts of many people who knew him. Groth originally came from Uslar in Lower Saxony and was an outstanding member of the AWO for many decades, most recently as chairman of the AWO Delmenhorst district association. The news of his death triggered a wave of grief, especially among his companions and friends.

Dr. Groth was a passionate social worker. After finishing school, he began an apprenticeship in a steelworks before taking the second educational path and studying social work and educational sciences in Bremen. In 2005 he finally received his doctorate at the University of Bremen with a thesis on statutory nursing care insurance. But his political involvement began much earlier: he joined the union at the age of 14 and became a member of the SPD in 1965.

A life of service to the community

His political career was equally remarkable. Groth was a member of the Lower Saxony state parliament from 1986 to 2003 and served on the Delmenhorst city council for over 30 years, including two years as mayor from 1974 to 1976. He used this time not only to shape political decisions, but also for numerous social initiatives and projects. For his commitment, he was awarded the Cross of Merit with Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2009, followed by the Marie Juchacz plaque from the AWO in 2012.

In his final months, Groth had taken on a new leadership role; He was elected chairman of the AWO Lower Saxony LAG. During his term in office, Groth campaigned for issues such as overcoming poverty, democracy, sustainable action and digitalization. He actively campaigned for the AWO, which now has around 32,000 members and over 300 social institutions. Dr. Groth had great confidence in the new leadership under Thore Wintermann, who took over the business of AWO Niedersachsen LAG as managing director and, at Groth's request, wanted to build on the successes that the late chairman had initiated.

A legacy of commitment

His personal commitment was not limited to the AWO; Groth was also an active member of his community in his private life. Together with his second wife Roswitha Ahrens-Groth, he passionately campaigned for the resumption of drinking water production and against the flooding of the Graft. He leaves behind two adult children from his first marriage and many people who valued him as a friend, mentor and passionate fighter for social justice.

At a time when social organizations like the AWO are becoming increasingly important, the farewell to Dr. Groth, how valuable and inspiring people like him are for society. His legacy will live on in the AWO, and the commitment to the weaker people in our community will continue through his commitment in the future.

For the AWO Niedersachsen LAG and many who knew Groth, it is now important to put his visions and values ​​into practice and to actively shape the future. Jan Henner Putzier, the state secretary, also expressed optimism about the coming challenges that must be addressed in a prepared manner to deal with the shortage of personnel and skilled workers as well as digitalization. A strong network and support from numerous volunteers will continue to be crucial in achieving the AWO's goals and promoting social interaction.

In memory of Dr. Harald Groth, the AWO will continue its work, emphasizing the ideals and beliefs that he embodied. His former colleague Norbert Boese praised him as a political friend who had a lasting impact on the AWO and the Delmenhorst region.

Further information about this moving life's work can be found on the pages of the Weser-Kurier ( Weser courier ) and the AWO Lower Saxony ( AWO Lower Saxony ) and the AWO district association Hanover ( AWO Hanover ) to find.