Democratic Forum of Germans in Craiova

a) Cultural Activities

The following cultural events are organised annually: Easter gathering, Day of Germans from Craiova, St. Nicholas Day, Advent celebration, and Christmas. These events always include invitations to prominent figures, representatives of other minorities, teachers, priests, and students; presentations are given, and traditional music is performed. Activities to promote the German language and culture include: German courses for young people, German lessons in the Catholic kindergarten, the St. Anthony Primary School, and the St. Joseph Nursing School. The Forum Chair participated as coordinator in six professional development projects for students of the Catholic Nursing School "St. Josef," each involving a one-month stay in Graz or Vienna. Within the framework of these projects, five students from this school learn German annually and then spend a month in Austria, where they experience Austrian traditions and improve their German language skills. In 2003, the Forum Craiova celebrated its 10th anniversary. Groups of Forum members visited the German Library at the University of Craiova, which is supported by the Goethe-Institut Bucharest. Various materials (books, video cassettes, etc.) were borrowed from the German Library at the University of Craiova, and the Forum's own library was also utilized. The Forum participated in events organised by the Dolj Interethnic Forum and in events organised by the Italian minority for Italian National Day. Larger groups of Forum members visited museums such as the Art Museum and the Historical Museum, where they learned about the history of the German community in Craiova and the surrounding area. Participation in concerts at the Oltenia Philharmonic and performances at the Lyric Theatre when the programme included works by German composers. Visits to the Forum's headquarters by the German Embassy in Bucharest, the Old Romania Regional Forum, the Member of Parliament, and the Undersecretary of State of the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania

b) Economic activities

The Forum Chair participated in the modernization of the heating system and insulation of the building housing the Forum headquarters by developing funding projects from Germany (Renovabis) and Austria (Aid to the Church in Need). Cooperation with the Transcarpatica Foundation

c) Social activities

Participation with Caritas Craiova in the acceptance of Relief supplies from Caritas Graz Seckau – Austria (beds, mattresses, furniture, bedding, food) and their distribution to various hospitals in the city. Some members participated in cleaning the German War Graves Cemetery in cooperation with German soldiers sent by the German War Graves Commission. Cooperation with the International Red Cross in distributing medicines and providing medical examinations

d) Other Activities

• Beteiligung von zwei Vorstandsmitgliedern des Forums an der Leitung der Caritas-Organisation, die den Kindergarten und die Grundschule „St. Antonius” unterstützt.
• Unterstützung in der Wahlkampagne des Kandidaten des Deutschen Forum für die Abgeordnetenkammer, so dass Herr Ovidiu Ganţ im Kreis Dolj viele Stimmen erhielt.