Charity

At the beginning of 2021, the district of Mitte sought a partnership with the Lideta district in Addis Ababa. After virtual exchanges and identifying shared challenges, the first in-person meeting took place in July to establish contacts and develop partnership projects. The Coordination Office for Municipal Development Policy and the Black Adult Education Center/Africa Academy of the Mitte District Office coordinate the partnership activities. Further information and the full travel report can be found HERE.

Another project we support is Café Leo, run by Wendepunkt gGmbH at Leopoldplatz in the Wedding district.

The newly built pavilion is a vibrant meeting place in the neighborhood and, in addition to offering affordable coffee and small snacks, primarily provides space for encounters and exchange. Through a variety of sociocultural activities for children, families, and seniors, Wendepunkt gGmbH strengthens neighborhood ties, integration, and community life at Leopoldplatz.

Integration and Support for Families

A special focus is placed on supporting children from refugee families. Language development and a sense of community are encouraged through playful activities, and parents are actively involved. At Café Leo, people craft, bake, and celebrate together — allowing integration to take place in a very practical way in everyday neighborhood life.

Advice and Support On Site

At the INFOPOINTS, residents can discuss their questions and concerns. Regular consultation hours and the plaza caretakers also ensure communication, order, and support in everyday matters.

Culture for Everyone

With concerts and cultural events at Leopoldplatz, Café Leo brings together people from diverse backgrounds. The free open-air events encourage encounters, exchange, and a vibrant sense of community in the neighborhood.

You can find further information HERE.

 

The Stephanus School has been an important place of learning for children and young people with intellectual and multiple disabilities since 1990. In 12 classes, students receive structured full-day instruction from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., complemented by therapeutic services. Educational professionals provide additional care before and after classes as well as during school holidays in order to promote the students’ independence and recognition.

35th Anniversary Celebration of Stephanus School

On July 11, 2025, Stephanus School celebrated its 35th anniversary — a significant milestone that we were pleased to support. During this festive occasion, we had the honor of presenting a very special gift this year: a MOTOmed.

The MOTOmed is a versatile movement training device that specifically helps to relax muscles, build endurance and strength, promote mobility, and improve coordination and overall well-being.

We are very pleased to be able to make a valuable contribution to supporting the students in this way. Once again, we were impressed by the outstanding commitment of all the staff at Stephanus School. It is both a pleasure and a matter close to our hearts for us to continue supporting this special school in the future.

You can find further information HERE.

At the Anna Lindh School in the Berlin district of Wedding, the annual summer camp has already become a well-established tradition — for more than 20 years now. During the 2024 summer camp, sporting activities were combined with fun, adventure, and the art of cooking together to highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Many Special Experiences

Participation in this special event was granted to students who had stood out through exceptional commitment and positive social behavior in everyday school life and who were nominated by their classmates. The program was filled with excursions into nature and visits to cultural sites such as the picturesque open-air museum with its historic buildings.

Last year, we hiked together to the Berliner Hütte, located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, and enjoyed the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The rafting tour on the icy Ziller River and the fast-paced rides on the summer toboggan run are among the annual highlights. After the day’s activities, the evenings ended in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere with a pleasant dinner.

After seven unforgettable days, the trip came to an end, leaving behind lasting memories and anticipation for the coming year. WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt GmbH would like to sincerely thank all helpers and supporters and is already looking forward to the next trip with the wonderful students of the Anna Lindh School.

Twelve students from the “AG Erinnern” (Remembrance Working Group) at the Theodor Heuss Community School in Berlin-Moabit spent a week on a study trip to New Orleans, exploring the city’s French, Spanish, and especially German history. They saw the magnificent houses of wealthy immigrants and learned about the people who were abducted from Africa and forced into labor. At plantations along the Mississippi River, they learned about the history of enslavement.

At the German-American Cultural Center, the students learned how the history of German immigration is preserved — however, without adequately addressing the reality of slavery and the existence of Indigenous people. The group engaged in intensive discussions about historical responsibility: migration is often a matter of survival — both then and now. But history must be told in its entirety, including all its darker aspects. Only then can responsibility truly be taken.

“What hurts the victims most is not the cruelty of the oppressor, but the silence of the bystander.” (Elie Wiesel)

“Our trip helped me understand the deeper meaning of this quote. The journey was therefore another step in my personal development. Just as with the history of National Socialism, we must also share knowledge about slavery and colonialism with the people around us.”
(Anas, student in the AG Erinnern)

It was a very impressive and meaningful trip for the AG Erinnern of the Theodor Heuss Community School.