Our Projects
Our Be Strong For Kids Goes School project is a clear win-win situation for everyone involved: For one year, graduating classes from various high schools in the Ruhr area will offer activities for children from our partner organizations, including those with additional needs and those facing other barriers to participation – and at the same time raise money for their graduation ball.
Join us!
Many – in our opinion, far too many – children cannot swim at all or cannot swim safely. Our long-term swimming project aims to change that. Through qualified instructors, supportive lessons, and plenty of fun in the water, we help children gain confidence and develop essential swimming skills.
Photo: Irina M. Wachter
Kids for Kids
Be Strong For Kids Goes School
Be Strong For Kids’ volunteering program starts at school – and has already proven highly successful! Through the BSFK Goes School project, we partner with graduating classes across the Ruhr region to support children with disabilities and other barriers to participation. The concept is simple yet effective: Over a period of twelve months, participating students offer weekly sports, physical activity, or cultural activities in children’s homes, youth centers, elementary schools, parent initiatives, hospitals, and many more. Students can also support existing Be Strong For Kids programs as volunteers.
The project not only benefits the children involved by providing positive experiences and meaningful opportunities, but also helps promote values-based learning among young people. Through teamwork, social responsibility, and hands-on volunteering, students develop important personal and social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Before and throughout their volunteer work, students receive ongoing support and guidance from teachers, psychologists, and other members of the BSFK team. This includes an Introductory Module as well as a range of optional Advanced Modules covering topics such as communication, conflict management, the prevention of sexualized violence, resilience, professional boundaries, and the rights and responsibilities of volunteers. With the support of our partners, participants also have the opportunity to earn a coaching certificate during the program.
Photo: Moritz Leick
Throughout their year of volunteering, participants are supported and mentored by the Be Strong For Kids team. In addition to gaining valuable experience, they have the opportunity to contribute towards the funding of their graduation ball through fundraising activities. Upon completion of the program, all participants receive a certificate of participation to support future job applications and are invited to attend a free career preparation workshop.
Are you interested in volunteering? Get in touch! Be Strong For Kids Goes School needs your support!
Be Strong For Kids Goes Swimming
According to the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), the number of elementary school children who cannot swim nearly doubled between 2017 and 2022 (www.dlrg.de). Children from low-income families are particularly affected. This is exactly where the Be Strong For Kids swimming project makes a difference. Our goal is to provide children with regular access to swimming lessons and help them become confident and safe in the water through a playful, age-appropriate approach. To achieve this, we invest in well-trained instructors and a dedicated team that continuously develops its skills through training courses and the ongoing refinement of our educational and safety concept. This ensures that we can provide high-quality swimming instruction and meaningful support for every child. With your support, we hope to expand and strengthen this project in the years to come, giving even more children the opportunity to learn this essential life skill.
Member of the Swimming Association North Rhine-Westphalia
Sponsors & Supporters
Wilhelm and Heidi Angermann Foundation
MSB Mülheim – Ruhr Area District
