By Pastor Bernd Siggelkow | Founder & Direktor
For more than 30 years, Die Arche has supported countless individuals and helped shape their life journeys. Thousands of children would likely have followed very different paths if so many dedicated people had not cared for them and invested in their futures. These people have opened up real opportunities for them. Today, more than ever, this reminds us how important it is to recognize the potential of every child and nurture it in a targeted way – through tailored programs, trusted caregivers and, above all, consistent, reliable relationships.
“Hello Bernd, its Angelo. I am sure you still remember me … What you gave me and my family is beyond words. You and Die Arche supported me for seven or eight years. It was a difficult time for us back then. I just want to say a huge thank you to you and Die Arche for being there for me. I think the work you do is fantastic. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
When I read this message, I was deeply moved. Not because it was personally flattering, but because it showed, what Die Arche has truly been about for many years. It is not about a program. It is not about a building. It is about people. Relationships change lives. Trust does not develop in a single afternoon. It grows over years. It grows when staff support children after school, talk to parents over a cup of coffee, visit families at home, organize celebrations for children, listen, comfort and encourage them and continue to be there even when others have long since given up. This is precisely how something that has been lost in many places today comes into being: genuine trust.
Behind our annual theme, “Education through Relationships”, lies a deeply held conviction. Children learn best where they feel accepted and valued. When a child experiences someone believing in them, they eventually begin to believe in themselves. And those who believe in themselves discover their abilities, develop motivation and find the courage to make something of their lives. Angelo is a wonderful example of this. However, he is far from the only one. Over the past decades, Die Arche has helped shape thousands of life stories. Not because we have extraordinary concepts or programs, but because we are willing to walk the long road alongside people. Our staff often remain at our centers for many years. They know the children, their siblings, their parents and their life stories. They support families through crises and celebrate every success, big or small. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us to go the second mile as well. For us, this often means going many extra miles. Years of support. Years of encouragement and development. Years of listening, inspiring and persevering. Sometimes, it seems as though little is changing. Then, one day, a message like Angelo’s arrives. And suddenly, it becomes clear that every single step has been worthwhile.The children we support often begin life with significantly fewer opportunities than others do. This makes it even more important that equal opportunities do not remain merely a political slogan, but become a reality in everyday life. That is exactly what happens at Die Arche every single day. We owe our ability to carry out this work to countless individuals, companies, foundations and organizations that support us both financially and through their commitment to our mission. They are not simply investing in a social project. They are investing in children. They are investing in hope. They are investing in the future of our society. I am deeply grateful for this. Every contribution helps us replace the lack of prospects faced by disadvantaged children and their families with new opportunities and renewed hope. I am convinced that love and relationships are the keys to a person's heart. It is not a perfect program that makes the difference, but people who stay. People who listen. People who believe that change is possible. That is why Angelo’s message is much more than a personal thank-you. It is proof that relationships educate, strengthen trust and have the power to change lives. That is precisely why every single day of our work is worthwhile.
Pastor Bernd Siggelkow
Founder and Director of Die Arche
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
