Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Aachen (Fides Service) - “Children have a Voice” is the motto chosen by the German branch of the Pontifical Mission Societies for 2005 for the Star Singer collection in January 2005 to help children in need. The collection is organised with the collaboration of the Association of German Catholic Youth BDKJ. Together the PMS and the BDJK choose a motto and symbol country. For 2005 the country will be Thailand.
“Trading in children is a serious international crime. In the world at least 1.2 million children are abducted, forced to work, to fight wars, to prostitute themselves. It is estimated that in Thailand alone from 60.000 to 200.000 children are forced into prostitution ”, Andreas Mauritz, president of the Association of German Catholic Youth.
Mgr Winfried Pilz, head of Missionary Childhood in Germany illustrates this annual children for children solidarity campaign : “When our children walk from house to house dressed as the Three Kings their message is: every child is created by God, loved by God. Through their singing they want to give a voice to all those children who have no voice whose dignity is violated. With the Star Singer collection our aim is to help those who work to restore the dignity of these poor children and give them a worthy life”.
Started in 1959, the Star Singers initiative has grown to be one of the most successful children helping children campaign in the world. The total amount collected so far is 280 million Euro in support of projects to help children all over the world. The amount collected has grown steadily over the years, and last year reached a record high of 32,17 million Euro spent to support programmes of evangelisation, education, health care, food supplies, clean water supplies and emergency help.
(MS) (Agenzia Fides, 16/2/2004 - 29 righe, 383 parole)
