The memory of Friederike is alive and concrete for all of us at AMU even now that she has left for heaven.
In these days the life of Friederike Koller , a German focolarina, since 2014 a Councilor at the International Center of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa (Italy), continues to be a shining testimony of evangelical radicality inspired by the Ideal of Chiara Lubich. For us at AMU, Friederike has shown interest and support for many years: even before leaving for Africa she contacted us to ask for our opinions and suggestions, and later, when she was called to carry out a delicate and crucial task in the service of the President of the Focolare Movement, she always encouraged and supported us in our commitment . We fondly remember the meetings with the AMU council to be updated and listen carefully to our proposals. But beyond all this, in the hiddenness and simplicity that distinguished her, she personally made herself the spokesperson of AMU among her acquaintances and family in Germany, suggesting to them from time to time projects and actions to support with their generous donations. Also for this reason, today her family has asked that donations and gestures of solidarity in her memory be donated, through AMU, to community development projects in Africa, in particular to the community microcredit and microfinance project in Burundi “Si può fare!”. We want to thank the family and those who have already responded to the appeal, confirming that, also in the wake of the life experience that Friederike left us, we will continue in our commitment to unleash the development potential of the most vulnerable communities.