Our Chairwoman, Astrid Gabler, travelled to Benin together with three colleagues from SONNTAG & PARTNER to visit the PATRIZIA Child Care Parakou. As the project’s main sponsor, it was important for the representatives of SONNTAG & PARTNER to personally meet the dedicated team behind the child protection centre and witness the impact their support is creating on the ground.
The aim of the trip was to gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people, strengthen the bond between sponsors and the project, and experience firsthand the realities faced by the children who find safety, protection and new perspectives for the future at the centre.
A Place Where Children Can Flourish
The protection centre offers a safe haven for children who have often been rejected and stigmatised as so-called “witch children.” Here, they can find peace, feel seen, play, laugh, learn – and gradually build the confidence to try new things.
To counteract the stigma many of these children face, the centre carries out awareness-raising workshops in schools and surrounding communities. These sessions empower both the affected children and many others in the region to better understand their rights and strengthen their self-confidence.
Time and again, these encounters show how transformative a safe place can be: a place that not only offers protection, but also hope, growth and genuine opportunities for the future.
“It is both impressive and moving to see how some of the children have already developed. You can tell they are blossoming, they can truly be children, and they are building self-confidence.”
Shared Activities That Build Connection
During their stay, the visitors immersed themselves in the children’s daily lives. Whether crafting together, playing, or sharing meals, they experienced the joy, trust and openness that arise when people meet at eye level. These shared moments created lasting impressions – and deepened the personal connection to the project and its mission.
A Long-Term Partnership for Sustainable Impact
From the very beginning, the delegation from SONNTAG & PARTNER made clear how meaningful this visit was to them. As the project’s main sponsor, their commitment goes far beyond financial support. They stand for a long-term partnership dedicated to creating lasting impact.
At the heart of their engagement lies a shared goal: to give children in Benin access to education – and with it, the chance for new perspectives and a brighter future.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
We express our deepest gratitude to SONNTAG & PARTNER and all those who contribute to making the PATRIZIA Child Care Parakou a place of safety, dignity and hope.
Together, we are opening doors, and changing lives.