Balu & Du

A Balu is a mentor to an underprivileged child in Germany. The child is appropriately named the du in this relationship. The title of the program is named after Balu and Mowgli from the Jungle Book. The Balu and Du relationship lasts exactly one year. However, the Balu can choose to continue this relationship as long as they would like. Every Balu in the program is required to meet with their Mowgli one time per week and attend a discussion based class one time per week.

Our class had the unique opportunity to interview Balus, bake with Mowglis, and interact with a different culture through the program. The program acted as a gateway into the lives of a German child and a German student. My interview with a Balu was filled with questions about the program. I asked why she decided to join, her favorite experiences with her Mowgli, how her Mowgli has developed from her help, dislikes about the program, and a million other questions. She then had to leave and I met back with my class.

It was then that I met another Balu named Lutz Kraft. This Balu had been interviewed by another classmate of mine named Asphiya. I was invited to go out to lunch with Asphiya and her Balu she had interviewed. Lutz seemed quiet at first, but then opened up about his feelings on the program. Even through a small language barrier, I could tell how much the program has helped his Mowgli. It was only then that I realized this program really does change peoples lives. The Mowglis receive the love and support that they need. The Balus receive a feeling of pure altruism that is only possible through the strong bond a mentoring program can provide. I love the fact that Balu and Du is helping children all over Germany. It is also interesting to note the parallels that exist between similar programs like this in the US. I guess helping people is ingrained somewhere deep down in the DNA that makes us human. Good people really do exist everywhere, even in this far away land called Europe, if one takes the time to look!