Wiesbaden: Early childhood education in the daycare center
In 1973, volunteers founded the Terre of the Hommes Children's Day in the Wiesbaden Bergkirchenviertel and thus the first project by Terre des Hommes in Germany. In 2002 the project became the non -profit company “Xenia”.
"We live linguistic diversity," says Dagmar Hansen, the managing director of Xenia. Many employees come from other cultures and speak several languages. They playfully promote the language development of the children. For example when tinkering, storytelling or excursions. Of course, reading rounds in Ukrainian or Turkish are of course also part of it. Especially when singing, eating and celebrating, the cultural diversity of children and their families is shown. "Arabic is eaten here or danced Greek. All families get involved," says Dagmar Hansen.
Your support for strong children!
Children from very different social and cultural milieus visit the facility. In the quarter, many people rely on transfer payments and cheap living space. Not only families with a migration background, but also German families experience disadvantages because of their social origin. Xenia wants to improve the future opportunities of these children. An intercultural approach was therefore followed early on.
"The children experience great appreciation with us and we wish you to keep this treasure with us even after your time," explains Dagmar Hansen. The children also experience confirmation at regular children's conferences. Here the daycare management meets with the preschool children in order to discuss everyday topics such as dealing with toys or upcoming renovation work. The children see that their opinion counts and is heard. There is also talk about abstract topics - for example about children's rights. The managing director is certain: "Even if you don't understand everything yet, the children learn here early on that they have rights."
The parents can exchange ideas and get support in the “Children's Parent Center”. The reading writing service of Xenia Honorary helps helps communication with authorities, for example in filling out applications. "We also offer families whose children are not in our facilities," says Dagmar Hansen.
The offers from Xenia are a permanent institution in the Bergkirchenviertel. This is how Dagmar Hansen summarizes: "It is inconceivable that Xenia no longer exists in the district. There would be a lot."
