As the year draws to a close, a time traditionally associated with giving, we’d like to introduce you to some Berlin organizations and associations worthy of your donation or commitment—almost a tradition for us. In recent years, a project at the eastern end of Kreuzberg has gained traction, offering moments of delight: The “S27 Art and Education” initiative in Schlesische Strasse manages various projects at different locations. What binds them together is the collaboration between artists and young people, many of whom have a refugee background. Together, they build, develop, set up, cook, and share everyday life, fostering community and work. The initiative has given rise to numerous creative endeavors, such as the “Killing Me Softly” amateur care service and a cosmopolitan city composed of reconstructed houses, streets, and neighborhoods that participants had to leave behind in their home countries. An initiative as vibrant, dynamic, and meaningful as love, art, and life itself. Donations can be made here. For many winters now, Berliner Kältehilfe has been ensuring the sheer survival of homeless individuals. (read more)
Despite this, or perhaps because of it, this vital facility for homeless people relies on support. Donations of time and goods are also welcome here. As we know, literature can be to the brain what shelter and food are to the body. Two initiatives dedicated to feeding the mind are EOTO e.V., an acronym for “Each One Teach One,” a community-based education and empowerment project in Berlin promoting the interests of black, African, and Afro-diasporic people in Germany and Europe. It runs its own library on Afro-diasporic literature, philosophy, and culture, among other things. Another Berlin classic of volunteering takes a practical approach to reading: the Berliner Lesepatenschaft is always on the lookout for new mentors to practice reading with children in elementary school and daycare centers. You can get involved directly here. Perhaps welcome 2024 with good deeds instead of resolutions. Happy New Year!
Text: Hilka Dirks / Photos: Dirk Wullenkord, Milly Reid & Yan Krukau
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