Children's Ark Radebeul: A matter of the heart” ensures adventures for 44 kids!

Children's Ark Radebeul: A matter of the heart” ensures adventures for 44 kids!

In Radebeul, an important project for young people is supported by Radio Dresden’s “Herzenssache” initiative. This campaign, which was launched in 2018, aims to support children and young people in residential groups such as the Kinderarche Sachsen. Marie, 17 years old, dreams of becoming a dental assistant and is currently completing a year of vocational school. She lives in the children's ark and receives valuable support there, but also has to deal with other residents in the residential group. Coming from a small village in the Spreewald, she is often drawn to nature, especially to her favorite place, the campsite at the Oberen Waldteich in Boxdorf.

The focus is also on 16-year-old Nico, who has been living in the children's ark since 2022. Faced with family problems, he appreciates the freedom that nature work offers him. Here the children work on various projects that help them build self-confidence and take on responsibility. Philip Lotzin, 37 years old, works as an educator and adventure educator and emphasizes how important it is that children are allowed to try out and fail in challenging situations. “Experiential education is a valuable source of experiences that you often cannot have in everyday life,” explains Lotzin.

Support through “a matter of the heart”

The initiative collected 620,000 euros last year, which went directly to the Children's Ark. These financial resources are used for projects such as a forest project and vacation trips. Thanks to the donations, around 300 children in residential groups can take part in a holiday trip every year. The use of the funds ranges from leisure activities and therapies to learning support to support the well-being and healthy development of children and young people. “Strong together for children” is the motto of the initiative, which has found many committed supporters since its founding.

The campsite where the children's ark is anchored offers a fixed area, which makes planning easier. Daniela Naumann, the operator, has made the preservation of an old shed a condition of use. The shed is now to be renovated and they are even considering installing a toilet to improve the stay for the children. The Kinderarche looks after a total of 44 children and young people in six residential groups, including one for small children in Coswig.

Experiential education as the key to development

Experiential education has established itself as a valuable tool for promoting self-confidence and social skills in young people. Such activities encourage risk-taking and the discovery of new talent. “Here the children learn to recognize their abilities and limitations,” informs them Küpper Foundation, which also provides experiential educational offerings. These range from climbing and canoeing to construction and craft projects that help hone teamwork and responsibility.

The next round of the “Herzenssache” is already in the starting blocks, and presenter Kristin Hardt has been accompanying some of the children for seven years. The community's commitment shows how important it is not only to offer young people a roof over their heads, but also to give them opportunities for personal development. Anyone who would like to support the cause can do so via the Kinderarche Sachsen donation account in order to give the initiative sustainable tailwind.