Die Arche - Stuttgart

At “Die Arche”, education is primarily conveyed through relationships. Children and teenagers find support in their learning without the pressure they often experience elsewhere. They experience that it is okay to make mistakes, to start over again, knowing that reliable people are by their side. They experience appreciation and acceptance, even though they may often struggle to fit in within their everyday lives. We encourage the children and teenagers to discover their abilities and develop their talents. Through donations, personal commitment, and the dedication of countless volunteers, we create spaces where individual support becomes possible.

Even today, educational opportunities largely determine children's chances in life in our country. And far too often, educational success still depends on the income of a child's parents. We cannot remain indifferent to this reality.

One year before I founded “Die Arche”, I was deeply shaken by the news of two girls in Berlin who took their own lives because they were afraid to show their school certificate to their parents. This tragic event revealed to me the immense pressure children can experience. That is why, twice a year, we celebrate school certificate parties at “Die Arche”. We want children to associate their school certificate with recognition, joy, and encouragement rather than fear. At the same time, these moments help us identify where they need support so that we can accompany them on their educational journey.

The many examples from our different Arche locations show just how diverse this support can be. In Hamburg, various small-group programs have been developed in the past months specifically for children facing particular social and emotional challenges. Within a safe and supportive environment, they learn to recognize and express their feelings, cope with conflicts, and build courage and self-confidence through activities such as climbing and ice skating.

In Cologne, the "Skills Day" opens up new opportunities for children and teenagers to gain valuable experiences. Whether building raised garden beds, learning to play the guitar, or practicing presentation skills, they discover their strengths, experience self-efficacy, and learn to take responsibility.

Our intensive learning coaching program has also demonstrated how effective individual support can be. More than 520 children received guidance in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. The scientific evaluation confirmed that children learn more successfully when they feel seen, taken seriously, and safe. It is not the number of support sessions that matters most, but the quality of the relationship.

At “Die Arche”, children and teenagers learn that effort is worthwhile and that they are not left alone with their struggles. Our motivation is deeply rooted in both humanity and our Christian faith. We want children to thrive. Every child deserves attention, dignity, and genuine opportunities. That is why we strive to treat every child as if it was the only one.

For more than 30 years, we have invested in children who are often overlooked. This is made possible by staff members who support children with compassion, commitment, and perseverance – and by the many supporters who sustain our work. For this, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Children are not only the future of our society; above all, they are its present. That is why we must do everything we can to create an education system that is centered on children – rather than expecting children to adapt to the system.

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