Initiative 'Children Need a Future': County Commissioner Raulfs Becomes Patron

The initiative has been committed to fair starting conditions for all children in the district of Gifhorn for over a decade.

, and Administrator

2025 December 20 . 2:05 PM

1 min read

In the picture we can see some school children are standing on the path with school uniforms and... — In the picture we can see some school children are standing on the path with school uniforms and they are holding some papers in their hands and one girl is talking something near the microphone which is to the stand and behind them we can see a fencing wall and to the top of it we can see a shed with some balloons top it.

Initiative 'Children Need a Future': County Commissioner Raulfs Becomes Patron

For over a decade, the 'Children Need a Future' initiative has worked to give disadvantaged children in Gifhorn district fairer opportunities. The programme now runs seven projects, all funded by public donations. In 2024 alone, around 140 applications for education and participation support were approved through its partnerships.

The initiative began 13 years ago with a focus on early intervention. One of its standout projects, launched in 2017, offers free vision screening for young children—the only programme of its kind in Germany. This effort has since become a model for other regions.

Another key project, 'A Warm Lunch Every Day,' ensures no child misses out on shared meals at daycare. The initiative also provides €100 to needy first-graders for school essentials like backpacks and stationery. Annual costs for these and other programmes exceed €60,000, covered entirely by donations. The initiative works closely with the Gifhorn District Family Office and the city of Gifhorn to tailor support for families. District Commissioner Philipp Raulfs recently took over as patron, following former Landrat Stephan Bitter, who held the role from 2022.

The initiative’s work depends on continued donations to maintain its projects and reach more children. With seven active programmes, it remains a vital resource for families in Gifhorn district. Each year, hundreds of applications for support are processed, ensuring children receive the basic opportunities they need.