A Christmas present was given to all students of the Startchance Foundation in Geretsried

Created: 12/22/2022 5:14 am

By: Michaela Schubert

Site manager Gertraud Josifescu-Vogl (Startchance Foundation) distributes gifts at the Karl Lederer elementary school.

© Michaela Schubert

Geretsried - The Startchance foundation distributes Christmas presents from the Christkind to all children, so that every child can tell about a present at school this year.

The Startchance association recently distributed Christmas presents to the children of the foundation in the Karl-Lederer elementary school in Geretsried, an individual surprise.

The idea: Christmas presents should also be given to those whose families may not have that much money and are more likely to be able to afford Christmas presents.

"Especially in our affluent area south of Munich, it sometimes comes off badly that not everyone is doing so well," explained Gertraud Josifescu-Vogl, site manager of the Geretsried elementary school, when distributing the gifts.

When asked what the children wanted, Angelina (8) answered: "A butterfly dress." Laura (8) giggled: "I wish for a Barbie horse from Santa Claus." The children find out whether the wishes come true unpacking on Christmas Eve.

The basic idea of ​​the foundation is equal opportunities in the field of education

Since 2014, the Startchance Foundation has provided children with school support for a good start into a better future.

This follows the approach that access to education should not only be granted to children from wealthy families.

Every Friday, children and young people are supported whose social background does not automatically guarantee a successful start in school and work.

Experienced educators as well as older pupils and students teach as “pupil coaches”.

A total of 150 students do their homework with 80 coaches, prepare for presentations together and practice for homework.

Parents do not have to pay anything for the support of their child - the foundation is financed by donations

The offer is available at the elementary and middle school in Geretsried, the elementary school in Berg-Aufkirchen, the elementary schools in Pullach and Schäftlarn and at the high school in Starnberg.

The support is completely free of charge for the parents, as the foundation's work is financed by donations.

In the long term, children in particular are supported from the second grade through to the point of entry into professional life.

It wasn't so easy that every child could get an age-appropriate present at the Christmas campaign.

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

Some of them are so modest that considerable detective work was required, said the site manager.

The carers then spent days on the road looking for books, pens, drawing pads and board games “on behalf of the Christ child”.

"It's great how happy the kids are," says Coach Lea (17).

She has been helping with the study on Fridays for four years now.

"Many children have great talents, but they can't call it off," says Lea.

“It is then our job to motivate and encourage the children.” The coaches are also great role models.

Because: You can not only explain the homework.

You can also explain to the children why the school material is important and where the knowledge can be used again later in life.