About Agapedia Germany

When we founded Agapedia in 1995, it was important to Jürgen Klinsmann not only to help children abroad, but also to support children where he himself grew up. We found the right constellation in Esslingen am Neckar, where, according to the city of Esslingen's youth welfare plan, around 1,500 children live in the city centre and many of them spend their free time on the streets.

The idea for a children's centre for children between the ages of 6 and 12 corresponded to our idea of creating a small, positive world in which children are accepted and feel at home. Here they should develop their own potential, practise social behaviour, practice intercultural learning and learn to deal with their own weaknesses.

Germany

Families in Germany are coming under increasing pressure. Low wages, integration problems, the social safety net is becoming more porous. Child poverty (often still hidden) is increasing. Approx. 2.04 million children, or 15.1% of children under the age of 15 receive Hartz IV benefits.

Facts

Agapedia has been running open children's work for children aged between 6 and 12 in the centre of Esslingen since 1996. The project was expanded at the end of 2011 and the new children's centre was opened.