60 Jahre Kinderschutzbund Düsseldorf: Feier zum Jubiläum
The Heroic Origins of a Lifesaving Organization
1965: Theater director René Heinersdorf was only two years old when his grandfather, René Heinersdorff Sr., made a chilling discovery on a scorching summer day in Düsseldorf. A child, roughly the same age as young Heinersdorf, was trapped inside a sweltering car on Kö, crying out for help as the heat threatened to overwhelm. Without hesitation, Heinersdorff smashed a window to rescue the child, just as the authorities arrived on the scene. The child’s parents returned to find their little one safe, saved from a perilous situation they had inadvertently caused. This harrowing incident sparked a deep resolve in Heinersdorff to establish a local chapter of the Child Protection League.
The Child Protection League of Düsseldorf was founded with a singular goal in mind: to safeguard children and adolescents, ensuring they grow up in a secure environment free from harm. In the early days, the organization operated on a volunteer basis out of the Heinersdorff Concert Ticket Office until the late 1980s when dedicated premises were secured, and a professional childcare worker was hired. With the establishment of a central office in 1993, complete with a managing director, the league has continued to evolve and expand its reach.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Support
Reflecting on the organization’s founding narrative, Dr. Hauke Duckwitz, the current Chairman of the Child Protection League, and Managing Director Bettina Erlbruch recounted the journey on Thursday, January 16th. They were joined by René Heinersdorff, among other past patrons, at the league’s new headquarters on Rochusstraße. Notable figures from the Düsseldorf community have lent their support to the league over the years, advocating for children’s rights and welfare. In honor of the organization’s 60th anniversary, past patrons from the last decade have united to shape the upcoming year in 2025 with special initiatives.
“I am thrilled by the growth of the Child Protection League of Düsseldorf over the past six decades. We have made significant strides in supporting children, teenagers, and families in Düsseldorf, and our innovative spirit remains undimmed,” emphasized Duckwitz. “While our work has adapted to societal shifts over the years, our core mission remains unchanged: every child in Düsseldorf deserves equal opportunities and protection, regardless of their background, social status, or circumstances,” Erlbruch added.
Challenges and Aspirations for the Future
Despite progress, significant challenges persist, with child rights, nonviolent parenting, and equal opportunities for all children at the forefront of the league’s agenda. Erlbruch envisions a future where child protection is bolstered through digital and preventive measures, such as the Mother’s Café initiative operating at three locations. These cafes offer a supportive space for mothers to gather, seek advice, and prevent potential crises from escalating, including strategies for handling colicky infants. Parental education begins at birth, with workshops introduced in the late 1990s targeting new parents. What started with a handful of participants has now expanded to 16 courses annually, each accommodating twelve parents.
The blue elephant, a cherished emblem and mascot of the Child Protection League, is a familiar sight across Düsseldorf, including as a van visiting neighborhoods and refugee shelters. Here, children learn about their rights, and parents receive guidance on nonviolent discipline. Collaborations with 47 sports clubs in the city, out of a total of 380, aim to prevent sexual abuse, with 19 intervention cases identified last year alone. Future plans involve engaging additional organizations from cultural, traditional, and diverse backgrounds to further bolster child protection efforts.
With a mix of dedicated staff and volunteers, the Child Protection League serves as an advocate for children, promoting peaceful coexistence and offering assistance during challenging times. Their comprehensive services, often free of charge, range from cooking groups and playdates to seasonal singing and dancing sessions, TuSch groups supporting children in separated families, self-assertion classes, and open gatherings for parents and children alike. The league’s offerings cater to diverse needs and foster a sense of community and resilience.
Celebrating a Milestone
In addition to the patrons’ initiatives, the local chapter plans to host a professional conference on child protection, invite staff and supporters to a jubilee celebration, and organize a special family festival at the Children’s Rights Plaza in the summer. Financially, the league relies on a mix of public funding and private donations, requiring an annual contribution of approximately 420,000 euros. With 385 members and around 110 volunteers, this charitable organization continues its vital mission of safeguarding children and advocating for their well-being.
