Kiju in Brandenburg: Jubilee for the 30th birthday, but in danger of existence!

Kiju in Brandenburg: Jubilee for the 30th birthday, but in danger of existence!

in Brandenburg an der Havel there is a place that has been accompanying and promoting countless children and young people for 30 years: the Kiju children's and youth leisure center in Hohenstücken. The facility, which was launched in the summer of 1995 by the Humanistic Regional Association Brandenburg/Belzig (HVB), is now celebrating this special anniversary. But the joy of this is clouded by the existence of the Kiju. Kiju director Axel Krause expresses that the facility is currently struggling massively for its future. The city plans to integrate the Kiju into a new parking district, which is to be built from autumn 2028. In 2021, Mayor Steffen Scheller already announced that the Kiju should become part of this new district, but the uncertainties are great after two attempts to apply for the urgently needed renovation of around five million euros. This situation brings additional pressure on the facility, which is why Krause plans to take over the Kiju site in the hereditary lease in order to be able to apply for funding.

The reason for these concerns is not an isolated case: the city wants to create space for other projects in its budget planning, which has led to the rejection of Kiju funding. Axel Krause is aware that the conversations about the overall situation and the possible subsequent use of the current daycare center in Sophienstrasse are decisive. In January 2023, he received a call from the social deputy Alexandra Adel. The uncertainty is for the employees: inside and the users: noticeable on the inside.

use a wide range of funding opportunities

Without a doubt, there are a variety of funding offers in Brandenburg that could also benefit the kiju. The ljr Brandenburg lists numerous foundations and programs that support projects in the field of youth and social issues: from the Foundation for Citizens, which supports projects for social cohesion, to the Aktion Mensch, including projects. For innovative projects, funding of up to 200,000 euros could be requested by the German Youth brand Foundation. Such funds would be particularly welcome in times of financial bottlenecks.

The search for potential financial supporters could be crucial for the Kiju. In particular, the possibility of not only turning to public funds, but also to private foundations, offers hope. Future projects could be developed and promoted in this way before the city goes in the parking district.

Checking the projects & application deadlines

As part of the application for funding, it is important to plan the projects well. According to the Action alliance Brandenburg , projects should be conceptually completed and limited time. Furthermore, dividing projects and searching for start -up financing makes it easier to grant such means. Careful planning would be essential for the kiju in order to find the right grants in the large number of offers and apply on time.

The upcoming birthday party of the Kiju on Thursday at 5 p.m. could be a good occasion to draw attention to both the local community and possible sponsors. The main thing here will be about setting a sign and appreciating the valuable contribution of the facility for the children and young people, and maybe even gaining new supporters. The challenges are great, but with a fresh 30th anniversary and the support of the community, the wind could soon turn. It is only to be hoped that the team will succeed with creative ideas and a courageous approach to potential donors to secure and shape the future of the kiju.