steps for children

steps for children wants to offer education to disadvantaged and needy children and youths in the countries of the South in order to break the cycle of poverty, alcohol and unemployment frequently found there. The first project is in Okakarara, a small town in the central region of Namibia close to the Waterberg. After successful and sustainable implemetation the programme will be duplicated in other countries of the South.

Vision: Our vision is the lasting self-sufficiency of the projects without outside means, help to help oneself for the people on the ground and sustainability and independence of the projects ... » more

Genesis: In order to put this vision into practice Dr. Michael Hoppe founded the steps for children Foundation in Hamburg/Germany in December 2005, and in January 2006 the support organisation steps for children. In February 2006 he initiated the founding of the NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) steps for children Trust in Windhoek/Namibia and started the first project in Okakarara/Namibia in March 2006.

2006 the project was launched with 4 employees, 20 children and 2 steps (soup kitchen and preschool). Today we cater for 90 children every day, have 20 employees, support further 20 children with school fees and school uniform ad run 12 steps ... » more

steps for children Foundation: The foundation is the main sponsor of the project in Okakarara. Chairman of the foundation is Dr. Michael Hoppe, trustee of the foundation is Stefan Wolfschütz, advisor and “ambassador” Andreas Thümmler ... » more

Great recognition we received through German Chancellor Angela Merkel, patron of www.startsocial.de. start social advocate sustainable support of social, honorary projects through skills transfer from the economy and from charitable organisations. Within the context of a competition steps for children was one of the 25 national winners out of 1000 applicants and was honoured by the Chancellor herself during a reception.

Also the parliamentarians of the German Donations Parlament decided with a majority in favour of steps for children in 2008: over 50% of the parliamentarians put our foundation in first place of the submitted projects to be supported.

Support Organisation steps for children: the contributions of the support organisation go to the steps for children Foundation without any deductions. From these contributions the running costs of the projects are to be paid in the long run. Chairman is Dr. Michael Hoppe, deputy chairperson is Brigitta Joost, treasurer Mechthild Wigger ... » more

Dr. Michael Hoppe is also General Manager for the project steps for children in Okakarara/Namibia.

Transparency: We take great care in dealing with the donations entrusted to us prudently and effectively. Our administration and advertising costs are low, the founder of the foundation and leader of the organisation Dr. Michael Hoppe as well as the trustee, the accountant, many companies and voluntary helpers work free of charge. We do not have consultative contracts.

The financial statements are drawn up by a recognised accountant and checked by the trustee. We monthly receive the expenditures of our projects in Africa and have the balance sheets drawn up by recognised tax consultants. Should you want to know more we will gladly provide you with the information.

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