The Caritas Association and the Kiwanis Club Lörrach organize their school bag campaign. In this way, 50 sets can be distributed to low-income families in the district at the start of school.
In times of inflation and high energy prices, this is a valuable contribution to equal opportunities for children. The first day of school should be special for every child. In addition to the school cone, the school bag is a particularly important, indispensable part for the start of school. However, buying a school bag often poses a financial challenge, especially for low-income families.
Because a good school bag should – in addition to the look – above all be practical, back-friendly and of good quality. Because school children carry it around with them almost every day for several years.
For 16 years, the district Caritas Association has been supporting families with a low income in enrolling their children in school with the “Good School Start” campaign. For the twelfth time, the Kiwanis Club Lörrach has provided high-quality satchel sets. The Kiwanis donated 50 school bags, which are now being distributed in the district.
Families from all over the district are addressed
“We are very pleased that this cooperation has come about again,” says Gudrun Schemel, Managing Director of Caritas in the Lörrach district. Kindergartens and social institutions are written to for the distribution of school satchels. Families from all over the district can apply to the Caritas social service, which has branch offices in Zell and Weil am Rhein in addition to Lörrach. “We already know some families from counseling,” says Christine Wondrak-Brunen from the Caritas Association. At an appointment with a parent or the parents, a conversation is then sought. “Sometimes such an appointment can also be a reason for counseling, but only if the families want it,” Wondrak-Brunen continues. The campaign is always a very pleasant occasion, the children often come along and are then allowed to choose a school bag themselves.
Word has gotten around in the district: demand has increased every year. Gudrun Schemel says it’s not yet possible to estimate what it will be like this time. In connection with the inflation and the high number of refugees, it is expected that the demand from families in need will be particularly high.
Focus on children and youth work
The Kiwanis Club is committed to working with children and young people. Despite increased purchase prices, he is sticking to the satchel project. “Procurement has already become more difficult and will not get any easier in the future,” says Kiwanis President Erhard Steinmetz. Since the satchels are not stock items, but are produced as required, the Kiwanis purchase them throughout Germany.
The Kiwanis Club is also facing declining membership and is trying to attract new members. Therefore, one is particularly happy that the budget was available despite moderate success at the Christmas market due to an unfavorable location. “We are happy when the children have a good start at school,” says Erhard Steinmetz.
The family can receive a school bag for their child against proof of income. The contact person is the Caritas social service on 07621/92750 (Lörrach and Wiesental) and 07621/770280 (Weil and Markgräfler Land).
