Children's charity 'The Ark' celebrates 30th anniversary - Berlin’s Die Arche Celebrates 30 Years of Transforming Children’s Lives
A Berlin-based charity called Die Arche has marked 30 years of supporting children in need. Founded in 1995 by Bernd Siggelkow and a small group of friends, the organization began by offering free meals in Siggelkow’s own living room. Today, it serves over 10,500 children every day across four countries.
The idea for Die Arche started simply. In 1995, Siggelkow and his friends invited children into his home for a warm meal. From there, the project grew, adding homework help, sports, and games to its services. Over time, the charity expanded beyond Germany, opening 35 centres in Poland, Switzerland, and Tanzania.
More than 100,000 young people have received support from Die Arche so far. Over half of the children now attending come from migrant backgrounds. The charity’s impact is clear: many former attendees have returned as educators, while others have gone on to secure stable jobs.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Die Arche welcomed high-profile guests. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, Economics Senator Franziska Giffey, Bishop Christian Stäblein, and actress Uschi Glas all attended the event. Despite the progress, Siggelkow remains realistic about the challenges ahead. He has stated that tackling child poverty will require at least another 30 years of work.
After three decades, Die Arche continues to grow, reaching thousands of children daily. Its network now spans multiple countries, offering meals, education, and stability. The organization’s long-term goal remains unchanged: to reduce child poverty through direct support and community action.
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