The FaNN (Familienhaus Nord-Neukölln and Kindergarden Sternengarten) is a family centre in the Neukölln neighbourhood in Berlin that provides activities, advice and a gathering space for families, many of whom are from immigrant backgrounds.
- 26 January 2018
I am very pleased that we can greatly contribute to improve the education of parents and children in Neukölln with the help of the European Union and the Senate Department for Urban Development. The Berlin programme Bildung im Quartier made this possible with funding from the ERDF. The project supports specially the integration opportunities of immigrant children and families.
The project is a popular centre and an ecological city garden for families and children in a densely populated area of Berlin-Neukölln. The FaNN provides youth and family services, such as courses, and individual counselling to encourage the creation of a cohesive community where families are integrated.
Young people’s chances are improved, as well as the local quality of life. The project reaches about 300 families.
Why is a family centre needed in this area?
Neukölln is an area characterised by a high number of immigrant families suffering from higher-than-average unemployment. A larger proportion of them have low incomes and integration problems. The area is also characterised by high youth unemployment. The FaNN aims to strengthen these families by providing the space and advice necessary to help themselves and receive help from the larger community.
The project also works to counteract educational deficits in the neighbourhood by improving the education and skills of children. It aims to link educational institutions with local companies and other institutions in programmes to boost young people’s employability.
Offering support and cultural integration
The centre has programmes for children from eight weeks old to school age. The focus is put on early education and upbringing. Additionally, the centre offers space for self-initiated meetings, support groups, children’s birthday parties, flea markets and other activities.
Throughout the week the centre hosts various events and activities such as family breakfasts, open parent and toddler clubs, parenting and family advice sessions, counselling on early childhood development, courses in early musical education, physical activities, first aid for parents, relaxation, single parent meetings, and advice on nutrition. A father’s group and an afro-German parent-child group also gather at this centre. There is also a café area for parents, where they can get counselling sessions throughout the week.
In addition, there is a day care centre with 84 places for one-year-old to school age children. Some 13 to 15 professionals from different cultural backgrounds are responsible for the day care, which is provided from 06:00 to 18:00. Five part-time and seven honorary educators and social workers staff the FaNN. Midwives, psychologists and physiotherapists who offer advice complement this staff.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project "Family Center - Familienhaus Nord-Neukölln and Kindergarden Sternengarten" is EUR 2 698 772, from which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributes with EUR 1 340 000 from the “Berlin” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming periods.