Die Arche - Leipzig

„I’m glad that they are other people who are interested in us, who believe in us.” These words come from a girl, Lisa, who regularly visits one of our houses since years.

Now, what does Lisa mean by that? Our school support? Our daily free hot meals? Taking music lessons? Or simply our friendly ear for everything the children have on their mind? Whatever her motive was, personally, I am glad as well. Because words like Lisa’s show that our work indeed has some impact on the children’s development and that there are no limits if we do walk this path together.

In recent times, I quite frequently encounter “Arche-alumni”, grown-ups who came to us as a kid and now in most cases have both feet on the ground. May it be on our court festivals or simply in the city streets, we anyway get talking. Whether it is about apprenticeships, work, family or generally the chapters in their life, I often sense something that goes beyond expressing their thanks four our support whilst growing up. What I sense is that the appreciation that we showed them has really entrenched in their hearts. It has set the course into living a self-determined life.

Dear friends: You are as well a reason for stories like Lisa’s and all the other young people on their way into a brighter future. Our heartfelt thanks for your support in the past.

At the end, I want to present you a little outlook: The Advent season starts soon, a very special time for all children. Again, we make efforts to conjure a smile on our children’s faces. Today, we already plan and organise great events full of atmosphere for this time, with the highlight being a wonderful Christmas party where every child receives an individual gift.

Thank you again for your support. We would be very grateful if our vision to create perspectives for children in need remains close to your heart in the future.

„Wait, I’ll go tell my mum I will join the camp again next year!”

As we approach his home town again, this little boy obviously finds it hard to say good-bye to the past days of our holiday camp. It was not only the first time he went with us on a camp, it was even the first time he ever went outside his home town for a vacation.

Far from everyday stress, the familiar environment with all its crises and existential questions, a lot of children who come to us had the chance to go on holiday camps with us this summer.

For every single one, it is a completely new, great and often eye-opening experience of getting to know a world that was hidden before: Camps at DIE ARCHE are days of seeing nature, finding new friends and further getting to know oneself. The kids love to finally be in the center of attention with our pedagogues caring about them the whole time. When we put them to bed, they get bright eyes as they tell us about what they experienced during the day: “I never had so much fun” or “this camp is the best time ever” are comments we often get to hear. Of course, we are deeply happy about that, yet it also reminds us that it is so important to be there for them back home as well.

On our camps, the children learn what it means to be a team player, build trustful relationships with others and handle conflicts. During the time together, they also tell us and the other children what usually causes worries at home or school. Above all, the children learn how precious they are.

Dear friends: Our heartfelt thanks for your support in the past. We would be very grateful if our vision to create perspectives for children in need remains close to your heart in the future!