Werdervorstadt • The "Heine-Kids" after-school care facility of the Kita gGmbH welcomes its 198 children and their parents in a state-of-the-art building on Werderstraße. Here, in numerous functional rooms, there is plenty to learn. In addition, after school, it’s time to unwind and enjoy some leisure time. We want our after-school children to do things here that they really enjoy. They pursue their own interests and can let off steam after their lessons.

Of course, there is also a homework program at the after-school care, but across five floors and almost 1,000 square meters, 19 functional rooms and an indoor playground invite the children to run, build, research, move, or simply relax. Outside, an 800-square-meter open space awaits to be explored by our children. There is also a media room with a library and a sound studio, where the kids, for example, recorded their very own “Heine Rap.” The children and educational professionals at “Heine-Kids” live their daily routine based on the principles of Open Work. The boys and girls learn autonomy and how to manage their own time, as well as the time of others. They choose from various activities, spaces, and people—developing skills and following their individual interests.

In all activities, a much-quoted sentence by Heinrich Heine plays a role: “In us lie the stars of our happiness.” It is important to us that the children co-create their after-school routine and their surroundings. That’s why, for example, it’s not random pictures hanging in our large hallways, but framed works of art made by the children themselves. There was even an opening exhibition. Participation is the principle at “Heine-Kids”. Listening to the children’s ideas, even if we educators aren’t immediately convinced by them, is true involvement. We remain open-minded, and our kids have a say in the after-school care routine through the children’s council and conferences. This leads to project work, working groups, and fantastic experiences.