DRK Kita Zauberwald in Neuss-Furth: Sustainable Kita of the Year!

DRK Kita Zauberwald in Neuss-Furth: Sustainable Kita of the Year!

The DRK-Kita Zauberwald in Neuss-Furth recently took a remarkable step towards sustainable education and was recognized as a “Sustainable Daycare Center”. This honor was awarded by the Bonn Science Shop as part of the “Sustainable Daycare Center – Active for the World with Children” project. It is pleasing to see that such initiatives are being supported by Engagement Global with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The daycare center director, Saskia Rother, expressed her delight at this award and emphasized the importance of early teaching of topics such as environmental and climate protection, social justice and responsible consumption.

In the Magic Forest Daycare Center, this knowledge is not only imparted, but actively lived. The concept includes regular forest days during which the children not only discover nature, but also carry out creative nature crafts. Mandalas made from natural materials and sensory journeys into green surroundings awaken the curiosity of little ones and encourage their creative streak. This also includes growing vegetables and herbs in their own raised beds and on arable land, which introduces the children to the topic of nutrition and sustainability in a playful way. The concern of recycling is also very important here: new things are created from old things, and the children can create creative works of art from rubbish.

Active learning in everyday life

Sustainability is not only treated theoretically in the daycare center, but is also integrated into everyday life through a variety of projects. The children eat vegetarian meals every day, prepared from regional products, and are actively involved in the process. In addition, an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional Christmas trees is offered with a “no Christmas tree” – a real innovation!

As part of the “Sustainability made easy for little explorers” project, children learn about the 17 global sustainability goals in a playful way. Picture cards and stories are used to promote dialogue about important topics such as social justice, cultural diversity and ecological responsibility. Parents are also actively involved in the various projects and thus become educational partners. This integration creates a holistic learning environment that supports both children and families.

Sustainable education initiatives at a glance

This initiative is one of a number of projects that aim to provide education for sustainable development. The Lower Saxony Institute for Early Childhood Education and Development (nifbe) emphasizes that daycare centers can function as learning places for sustainability and climate protection. Under the motto “Education for Sustainable Development” (ESD), children should be given opportunities to work creatively on a sustainable future and to anchor its principles in everyday life.

Numerous initiatives like that Kita21 – The future designers and that Climate daycare network support daycare centers in addressing future-relevant topics in a playful way and raising awareness of ecological action. The ESD approach not only promotes sustainability, but also prepares children for challenging life situations - an education for the future that they can actively shape.

The DRK-Kita Zauberwald is therefore a shining example of how early childhood education contributes to promoting sustainability and a responsible approach to our environment. The award will undoubtedly motivate the daycare center to continue its path as a place of learning for a future worth living and to continue to be a role model in the region.