The Sandora Social Welfare Project in Kretinga, Lithuania

in Deutsch
The Sandora social welfare project dates back to pre-Soviet times, and was completely revamped after Lithuania regained its independence in 1991. The emphasis is not on missionary work but rather on promoting general social welfare in a Christian context.

The recipients of these services are anybody in need of help in Kretinga, Lithuania, regardless of their religious affiliation. The project distributes clothes, food and other items donated by partners located in Saarbrücken and Blankenfelde, Germany. An orphanage is also supported in addition to various state institutions, e.g. an old-age home and a school in Kretinga. One main focus of the project is youth work.

Facilities are still rather provisional in many cases. For example, hosting large events is dependent on the hospitality of a school. The large annual youth camp is held in tents on Bütinge's beach. However, plans have been made to build a youth center and social services office in Kretinga. The land and the preliminary plans have already been organized.

Work is done entirely by volunteers. The project is headed by Arunas Sulskis und his wife Ruta Sulskiene, who is responsible for the work with young people. A group of their relatives and friends also pitch in as needed.


Unloading donations in the Sandora yard. Left: the fully loaded minibus which has just arrived from Blankenfelde.