Presents for 150 children and young people

Social action: During the last learning support before the holidays, the Startchance Foundation hands over gifts to disadvantaged children and young people.

Geretsried

– The Christkind distributed gifts to all 150 participants at the Startchance Foundation (see box on the right).

The big Christmas surprise came during the last learning support before the Christmas holidays.

Each child received an individual package with a surprise.

The idea behind it: Christmas gifts should also be given to those whose families don't have much money and can hardly afford presents.

"Especially in the affluent area south of Munich, the fact that not everyone is doing so well is sometimes neglected," says a press release.

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Site manager Melanie Gunka presented the gifts at the Schäftlarn elementary school.

Eight-year-old Angelina wanted a butterfly dress, Laura (8) a Barbie horse.

Will the wishes come true?

The children find out when unpacking on Christmas Eve.

Detective work was necessary

It was not so easy that every child can get an age-appropriate gift.

Sometimes for weeks, the coaches tried to inconspicuously ask about the children's wishes.

According to the foundation's statement, some of them are so modest that considerable detective work was required.

After that, the caregivers spent days outside looking for books, pens, drawing pads and board games for the Santa Claus.

Also often requested: Puzzles and Lego.

Hard-working helpers wrapped the packages in white, red and blue wrapping paper for twelve hours and labeled them with names.

Last Friday, just in time for the last day of support before the holidays, the handover to the happy children followed.

Now nothing stands in the way of a nice Christmas party.

Motivation is everything

"It's great how happy the kids are," says Coach Lea.

The 17-year-old has been helping the children study on Fridays for four years.

"Many have great talents, but they can't pull it off," she says.

"Our job then is to motivate and encourage the children: 'Yes, you can do it!'"

The coaches themselves are great role models.

Because: You can not only explain the homework.

You can also tell the children why the school material is important and what the knowledge can be used for later in life.  

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Read the latest news from Geretsried here.

Foundation Opportunity

The foundation was established in 2014.

Her goal is to give children better prospects for the future, especially if their origin or family background does not speak for it.

To this end, it offers learning support every Friday at its six locations in Starnberg, Schäftlarn, Berg-Aufkirchen, Pullach and Geretsried I and II - and it's completely free for parents.

Startchance is currently sponsoring around 150 schoolchildren from all types of schools – in particular schoolchildren from the second year of primary school and, if possible, in the long term until they enter the workforce.

80 older student coaches, students and experienced teachers provide very individual support.

The non-profit foundation work is financed by donations.

The possibilities for support can be found on the Internet at www.startchance.org