Germany
Family centre helps children in Dortmund
Around 12,900 people registered
57 out of every 100 children in the district receive state benefits to ensure they have the means to live
Around 5,520 people (42.8 percent) who receive welfare benefits
75 out of every 100 people registered do not have a German passport
In Dortmund, we provide aid in these areas:
Germany
Family centre helps children in Dortmund
Around 12,900 people registered
57 out of every 100 children in the district receive state benefits to ensure they have the means to live
Around 5,520 people (42.8 percent) who receive welfare benefits
75 out of every 100 people registered do not have a German passport
In Dortmund, we provide aid in these areas:
Tense living conditions in Dortmund – wortundtat helps children and parents
In the Borsigplatz district of Dortmund where the Star in the North is located, many families are living in difficult conditions. Parents have no work. Children cannot speak German properly. The families are still a little lost in German society or are financially dependent on state benefits.
Our partner in Dortmund:
Stern im Norden e.V.
We support these services:
• Children’s and teenagers’ centre
• Services for women
The Star in the North responds to people’s needs and supports families in many ways
The services offered by the wortundtat partner Star in the North are aimed at these people. In a large community centre with plenty of open space, children have room to play and let off steam and receive support, loving care and attention. Teenagers meet for shared activities, creative or sporting pursuits or other joint hobbies. Parents find people to talk to about problems in coping with everyday life and have opportunities to chat.
In large, welcoming rooms, children aged 6 to 11 find, in the children’s club, that they are welcomed and valued. Apart from a free lunch and help with homework, there is still time for them to play together, attend cooking and baking courses, do exercises and just let off steam. Children can enjoy making music on home-made instruments. If necessary, individual support can also be provided now and again – for learning German, for example.
News from the Star in the North
A meeting point for mothers – get advice, chat, relax
Several times a week, mothers with children below the age of six can bring them to play in the Star and enjoy the women’s café here. While the youngsters play, the women can chat with each other or talk to the helpers. Many of the guests are please to be helped with visits to authorities, filling in applications for various departments or finding schools, doctors or other contact points. There are often more complex matters to discuss, when the staff can provide explanations and support.
“Christmas in the Star in the North”
The weather was cold and miserable just before Christmas. But this didn’t deter the children from coming to the Christmas party.
More than a place for children to play and be safe:
Christian faith is discussed
In addition to looking after, caring for and supporting young people and adults from the district, the volunteers and employed staff have another concern: They want the visitors who find their way to the centre to feel that they are important and loved – just as God has made them. To the helpers, it is important that the children are provided with help with life’s ongoing practical challenges and understand a little about the Christian foundation that motivates the helpers.
The children and young people who would like to learn more about this motivation can attend events at which Bible stories are told or sometimes acted out in ways suitable for their age.
Visitors feel that they are important and loved – just as God has made them.
Space for lots of groups
Dortmund – Further impressions
At a circus performance at Stern im Norden, children show off their skills and parents watch proudly.
During outings to the surrounding parks, children from the Borsigplatz neighborhood always have the opportunity to get to know the neighborhood well in the summer.
After school, lots of school children come to the Star, do their homework with some help and are shown affection.
The children’s university is also invited to the Stern im Norden time and again. This gives the children of the neighborhood a little insight into the world of science.
At the children’s flea market at Stern im Norden, the children of the neighborhood improve their pocket money.
News from the Star in the North
Star in the north at home
wortundtat supports families in “Stern im Norden”, Dortmund, with intercultural offers for children, young people and parents
Cooler than hanging out at home
The family meeting center “Star in the North” celebrates a belated birthday. Former visitor reports on the importance of the “Star” for his development as a child.
Escort, encourage, empower – Advising parents in Dortmund in difficult situations
In Dortmunder Stern im Norden, Karen Prause supports parents from the neighborhood on topics related to education, health or living and working in Germany.