Delmenhorst mourns: AWO legend Harald Groth chooses peace

Delmenhorst mourns: AWO legend Harald Groth chooses peace

With heavy hearts, the members of the Workers' Welfare (AWO) say goodbye to Dr. Harald Groth, who died suddenly and unexpectedly during a cure in Bad Salzuflen on Sunday. The 82-year-old leaves not only a gap 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 district association Delmenhorst. The news of his death triggered a wave of grief, especially with his companions and friends.

dr. Groth was a passionate social worker. After his school days, he started an apprenticeship in a steelwork before he started the second educational path and studied social work and educational sciences in Bremen. In 2005 he finally received his doctorate at the University of Bremen with a work on statutory long -term care insurance. But his political engagement began much earlier: at the age of 14 he joined the union and became a member of the SPD.

a life in the service of the community

His political career was also remarkable. Groth was a member of the Lower Saxony state parliament from 1986 to 2003 and served in the Delmenhorster City Council for over 30 years, including two years as Mayor from 1974 to 1976. He used this time not only to design political decisions, but also for numerous social initiatives and projects. The Cross of Merit was awarded for his commitment in 2009 on the ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, followed by the AWO Marie-Juchacz badge in 2012.

In his last months, Groth had taken on a new leadership role; He was elected chairman of the AWO Lower Saxony. During his tenure, Groth campaigned for topics such as poverty, democracy, sustainable action and digitization. He had actively campaigned for the AWO, which now comprises around 32,000 members and over 300 social institutions. Dr. Groth had great confidence in the new leadership under Thore Wintermann, who, as the managing director, took over the business of the AWO Lower Saxony and at Groth's requests would like to build on the successes that the deceased chairman had initiated.

an inheritance of the engagement

his personal commitment was not only 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 was passionate about the resumption of drinking water promotion and against the flooding of the Graft. He leaves two adult children from first marriage as well as many people who appreciated him as a friend, mentor and passionate fighter for social justice.

at a time when social organizations such as AWO are becoming increasingly important, the farewell of Dr. Groth, how valuable and inspiring people like him are for society. His legacy will continue to live in the AWO, and the use for the weaker in our community will continue to be continued in the future.

for the AWO Lower Saxony and many who knew Groth, it is now important to put his visions and values ​​into practice and actively shape the future. Jan Henner Putzier, the state secretary, has also optimistically commented on the upcoming challenges that must be addressed for the coping with personnel and skilled workers as well as digitization. A strong network and the support of numerous volunteers will continue to be decisive to achieve the goals of the AWO and to promote social interaction.

In memory of Dr. Harald Groth will continue the AWO and put the ideals and beliefs in the foreground. His former colleague Norbert Boese recognized him as a political friend who has shaped the AWO and the Delmenhorst region.

Further information about this moving life's work are on the website of the Weser courier () Lower Saxony ( AWO Lower Saxony ) ( AWO Hannover ) to be found.