On the festive occasion at the Christmas works meeting of the Central Operations Technology department of Deutsche Telekom Technik GmbH in Stuttgart, with 2,200 employees, for steps for children not only a four-figure donation amount was collected. In addition, the works council enabled the presentation of the foundation’s concept using the example of Okakarara—from the laying of the foundation stone to today’s development. With more than 25 employees, steps has, for example, become one of the largest employers in the region: including for teachers in the social projects and for women employees in the sewing room, where souvenirs and gift ideas for companies are made. In the vegetable garden in Ongomombonde—which both supplies its own soup kitchen with fresh vegetables and sells vegetables at the market—additional jobs have been created. These small businesses generate income and, together with the donated funds, support the social projects. What began in 2006 with 30 needy children in the pre-school and soup kitchen has grown to more than 200 children and young people being cared for today. Together, we create opportunities for education and give them a head start.

Becoming long-term independent of donations—every day we come a little closer to this vision.

Our heartfelt thanks to the works council and the staff of Central Operations Technology for the great support!