The
The Bethanien Kinderdörfer gGmbH is a non-profit organization with over 65 years of experience in stationary child and youth welfare. It operates three children's villages in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse (Schwalmtal, Bergisch Gladbach and Eltville), where around 430 children and young people find a loving home in a family-like atmosphere. In addition, around 210 children are cared for in four day-care centers. The Kinderdorffamilie is at the center of the pedagogical work, in which Kinderdorfmütter and -eltern live together with the children and accompany them around the clock. In addition, there are various forms of care such as residential and day groups, assisted living, socio-educational communities, foster homes as well as remedial small schools and outpatient services[1][2][3][4].
The Mission of the Bethanien Kinderdörfer is to create a stable, safe and appreciative environment for disadvantaged children and young people whose biological families can no longer take them in, in which trust grows and personal potential can be developed. Christian values and the history of the Dominican Sisters of Bethanien, who founded the institutions, are an important cornerstone of living and working together. Faith is understood as a source of strength in everyday life[3][4].
The organization attaches great importance to social responsibility and Sustainability with a focus on several core goals:
In addition to stationary care, the range of the Bethanien Kinderdörfer includes a wide range of pedagogical support and therapeutic measures. The residential buildings are equipped with cozy common rooms, individual children's rooms and gardens and have sports and leisure facilities as well as their own churches and creative workshops. This creates a lively environment that promotes healthy development on all levels[2][3][4].
Overall, the Bethanien Kinderdörfer are a holistically oriented social enterprise characterized by a strong Christian reference, many years of experience, a wide range of care services and a clear sustainability agenda - always with the aim of providing disadvantaged children with a safe place for growth, education and joy of life[1][3][4].
