Journey with me back to 1984. That was the year Christliche Fachkräfte International e.V. or CFI was founded. We stand here today before an organization with a rich history. It is dedicated to global support and development.
Christliche Fachkräfte International e.V. emerged from a growing need. Founders Ernst Vatter and Winrich Scheffbuch noticed increasing requests for help. These requests came from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. They sought to bolster crucial nutrition and development programs. They wanted to support evangelization and church planting.
Initially, Christliche Fachkräfte International e.V. was part of a trio. “Hilfe für Brüder International” founded in 1980 was one. “Co-Workers International”, a short-term mission placement service established in 1995, was another. Together, they formed “Gottes Liebe Weltweit” or God’s Love Worldwide. By 2020, they managed 224 projects across 79 countries.
In 2014, CFI-Freiwilligendienste and ChanceMent began. CFI-Freiwilligendienste is a state-sponsored volunteer program. ChanceMent offers internship placements.
A significant shift occurred in May 2021. The organizations were united under one name: Coworkers. Coworkers has three branches: Projekte, Fachkräfte, and Freiwillige. This streamlined approach aimed to better support local Christians. It also aimed to send skilled workers, volunteers, and students abroad. Currently, Coworkers supports projects in around 90 countries. Its development workers and volunteers are active in approximately 50 countries. They work with local churches and Christian organizations.
The Fachkräfte branch sends skilled workers to partner organizations worldwide. These experts work in education, consulting, healthcare, technology, and agriculture. These assignments usually last at least two years. A core mission involves training local staff. It also supports national churches and Christian organizations.
Since 1981, Christliche Fachkräfte International e.V. has hosted the Jugend Missions Konferenz or JuMiKo. This event happens annually in January. Initially, it was every two years. It takes place at the ICS Stuttgart. JuMiKo offers expert presentations and discussions. Participants can talk to experienced missionaries. They can receive career advice and information about open positions. With over 100 exhibitors, it is Germany’s biggest trade fair. It focuses on careers in mission and development work.
The Freiwillige branch supports local churches, development workers, and missionaries. This has been the case since 1995. Volunteers are usually 18 or older. They have completed education or vocational training. They also have experience in Christian youth work or church activities. Assignments vary in length. Most last between six and twelve months. These assignments are often conducted as part of a voluntary service. Volunteers can participate through the International Youth Volunteer Service and Weltwärts. These are state-sponsored programs.
“Hilfe für Brüder International” and Christliche Fachkräfte International e.V. are the organizations behind Coworkers. In 1985, then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl recognized CFI. The German government acknowledged it as the sixth German development service provider.
Coworkers is funded through development funds and donations. The “Stiftung Hilfe für Brüder” provides support. Until 2006, co-founder Winrich Scheffbuch was the director. Ulrich Weinhold then took over. Since 2020, a leadership team manages the organization. It includes Tobias Köhler, Bernd Lutz, and Désirée Schad.
In 2018, Christliche Fachkräfte International e.V. received an award. It was the special prize “Innovation and Biological Diversity”. The prize was for a project in Uganda.
Christliche Fachkräfte International e.V. stands as a beacon. It represents dedication to global support and development. Its multifaceted approach through Coworkers continues to impact lives. It provides essential aid, skilled expertise, and volunteer support worldwide.