Wupperkids e.V.

The idea of founding Wupperkids e.V. arose during private discussions about the unsatisfactory state of education in Germany, and specifically in Wuppertal. There are already significant differences in children’s starting opportunities by the time they begin school. Although, according to Wuppertal’s needs assessment, there are statistically enough nursery places available, not all children have a place. This affects children both with and without a migrant background. Many children are traumatised due to their migration history and/or do not speak German. Studies show that, overall, the proportion of children with developmental difficulties is increasing. Furthermore, parents and carers often do not know how to support their child in order to bridge these gaps and help them get off to a better start at school.


The founders of the association wanted to take action here and organise support. They focus not only on the target group of children in need of support but also on their parents.

 

Foundation and organisational structure

The Wupperkids e.V. association was founded on 28 January 2025 and currently has 8 members.
 

The Executive Board

Dorothea von Ruediger

  • Educational Approach
  • Public Relations 

Manolya Karaca

  • Parent involvement
  • Donations

Ulrike Martin

  • Treasurer
  • Staff

Objectives

The association has set itself the following objectives for the Wupperkids project:

 

  • Pre-school children with special educational needs are to be given support in language
    development, motor skills and concentration before they start school.
  • Parents are to be involved through an accessible initiative (parents’ café).

Target groups

As part of the project, the association is targeting the following groups:

 

  • Children in Wuppertal who, on the day of the school entrance examination, clearly demonstrate a need for support and do not attend a nursery.
  • Children with and without a migrant background are equally welcome, as are children who do not yet speak German.
  • The association is initially focusing on 5-year-olds. If the project is successful, the range of target groups may be expanded (to include younger and older
    children/young people). The association’s objectives allow for such a future expansion.
  • Parents who are unsure how to prepare their children for starting school and who need support in
    this regard

Financing

The association is funded through donations and membership fees. The founding members work on a voluntary basis. The teaching staff are paid.
The volunteers at the parents’ café – as things currently stand – work on a voluntary basis.