½ hour of leisure activity for a disadvantaged child in Berlin

It is not new that the unequal distribution of wealth in Germany has created a large gap between rich and poor, which is far more pronounced than in other OECD countries (OECD, 2015). Children are particularly affected, with around 2.7 million of them considered poor or at risk of poverty. Children from disadvantaged families are less likely to participate in activities outside the home than children from families with a higher income (Paritäter, 2016). Since many of the cultural and integrative offers that promote extracurricular learning and through which new interests are discovered are often subject to a fee, these children are excluded from social participation, which further promotes the emergence of parallel societies and social inequality. In Reinickendorf, which is one of the socially disadvantaged districts of Berlin (Senate Department for Health and Social Affairs, Berlin 2013), twelve refugee homes with 3,000 places have been opened in the last three years, most of which are home to families with children. In order to promote the integration of these children, it is important to enable them to participate in society to a certain extent and to accompany them in their first steps into the society of their new home.

A mentoring program reaches children who are particularly receptive to leisure activities but know only a few places and activities. A 1:1 mentoring relationship, also known as sponsorship, contributes to the exchange of different life worlds and creates trust. The joint discovery of interests, local exploration and playful learning supports the children in developing positive future prospects and is a step towards greater educational equality.