Deutschlandstipendium

Since 2012, our club has regularly supported a particularly talented and socially committed student at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) with a Germany Scholarship. There are now seven young women studying ethnology, physics, theology, medicine, book studies, law and psychology.

The scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month through the Deutschlandstipendium, of which 150 euros come from the scholarship providers and 150 euros are paid by the German state.

LMU carries out the pre-selection process to determine eligibility. It also organises the official award ceremonies, as well as networking opportunities for students among themselves and with the scholarship providers.

Our club sister Susanne maintains contact with the scholarship holders, who also have the opportunity to take part in our club evenings at any time and thus familiarise themselves with Soroptimist International's commitment to women.

Here is the report on our Germany scholarship holder, whom we had the pleasure of sponsoring in 2022/23

The SI Club München-Schwabing supports the police project 'zammgrauft'

of the Munich police force

Violence characterises the lives of children in many situations. That is why it is not possible to "practise" how to deal with violence early enough.

The police project 'zammgrauft' run by the Munich police is aimed at children and young people aged between eleven and 18. Here, pupils learn the importance of solidarity, trust and moral courage through exercises and role-playing games. The various forms of violence, for example physical violence or bullying, are also addressed and strategies against them are developed:

The police train teachers, social education workers and police officers from Munich to become "zammgrauft" trainers so that they can then pass on the content to the target groups.

It also organises courses at the schools itself. The programme takes place over two mornings with the whole school class. The trainers do exercises and role-plays with the pupils on various topics, such as "standing up for your own opinion", "community” or "violence".

The "tools" that are taught the children so that they can resolve conflicts peacefully and avoid violent behaviour are: communication and empathy, creating a supportive environment, role modelling, boosting self-esteem and conflict resolution strategies.

The experience of violence among children and dealing with this violence is of great importance in order to promote a peaceful society.

The 'zammgrauft' police project run by the Munich police has been doing exemplary work in this area since 2001, which we are happy to support.

One girl's comment:

what a great day!

Otherwise I would have spent it again at home with my mobile phone.

Lichtblick Hasenbergl

Sailing trip to Lake Chiemsee

For 16 children and 4 educators from Lichtblick Hasenbergl, the day began early in the morning with a train ride to Prien. They were already expected at the station and taken to the yacht school. And there the much-awaited sailing day began for the children, which has been sponsored by the SI Club Munich-Schwabing for years.

For the children it means spending a day in beautiful nature and without electronic media. With full sails, they sailed along Lake Chiemsee in ideal sailing weather and made new experiences such as tying different knots or initiating different sailing manoeuvres.

Ecological Education Centre (ÖBZ)

Since 2021, the SI Club Munich-Schwabing has supported the Ecological Education Centre (ÖBZ).

The ÖBZ is an environmental station in the middle of Munich, jointly operated by the Münchner Umwelt-Zentrum e.V. and the Münchner Volkshochschule. Its events are aimed at children, young people, families and adults.

The goals of the ÖBZ are environmental education and education for sustainable development. The guiding idea is the sustainable development of the city of Munich. The gardens around the ÖBZ cover various thematic areas: Insect, fragrance and herb garden, rock garden, dry and water area as well as berry and vegetable garden. There is also a 6.5 acre outdoor area. Here there are nature play areas, gardens, hedges, meadows and wetland biotops.

The theme of the environment and sustainability is meant to be expirienced by city dwellers through join in and hands-on experiences.

Through its donations, the SI Club München-Schwabing supports the further development of the centre, among other things the creation of a water body for green toads (Bufo viridis). The green toad is an endangered amphibian that is native to the north of Munich. The facility has since been well received by the amphibians..

Kifafa e.V.

SI Club Munich -Schwabing supports the Kifafa AIDS orphanage in Kendu Bay , Kenya

For many years we have been supporting Kifafa e.V. with a sponsorship.

Kifafa e.V. was originally founded by a club sister to provide vital medical care for people with epilepsy in Kenya. Many people with epilepsy live there without any medication or other medical care. Left alone and stigmatised, they vegetate with their families in the slums of Nairobi and in rural areas.

It soon became apparent, however, that although the supply of medication was improving, the living conditions and, above all, the children's chances for a better future were not. 
So the idea of sponsorship was born and in 1995 the society Kifafa e.V.. was founded.

Over the years, the work of the society changed. In addition to the individual care of the sponsored children and the support of the sick people with medication, the construction of an orphanage for epileptic girls and female AIDS orphans in Kendu Bay on Lake Victoria was started in 2004..

Additionally, to contribute against hunger in the Kendu Bay community, a food programme for hungry children was launched in May 2009.

Today, Kifafa e.V. continues to support seven epilepsy outpatient clinics in Kenya with deliveries of free anti-epileptic drugs. The main focus of the work, however, will be Kendu Bay, where 22 sick girls are currently cared for in the orphanage and 40 children are currently fed five days a week with the additional food programme for 50 cents per lunch.

Kendu Bay will remain the centre of work in the future. Kifafa, which now employs 9 people, is one of the major employers in the region and an economically important factor for Kendu Bay.

Club sisters who have visited Kendo Bay/Kifafa were convinced and enthusiastic about the work that is done there for the girls. Even if we only make a small contribution, it helps the girls to lead a more self-determined life.

SI Club München-Schwabing supports financially and ideally the goals of

medica mondiale

medica mondiale

We support medica mondiale financially because we are convinced that medica mondiale does meaningful and important work worldwide to help women in war and crisis areas. This is more important than ever in the current situation.

medica mondiale e.V. has been supporting women and girls in war and crisis zones who have experienced gender based violence during war for over 28 years. This non-profit organisation is currently working in 14 project countries in Africa, Asia and Europe and provides on-site help - medical, psychological, legal and economic. It also works politically to promote equality, justice and sustainable change in society.