Where children
The capital of Argentina is a tough place to live. Millions of people live in poverty, with no hope for a better tomorrow – including thousands of children. In the barrios carenciados, the slums of Buenos Aires, they live in poverty and are exposed to violence on a daily basis. They need care, support, food, and the prospect of a semi-normal life. At Hogar Maria Luisa some of them at least can count on help: thanks to financial support from the help alliance, they have a new roof over their heads at the home and can finally look forward to the future.
Providing a safe home in Buenos Aires
A project close to the heart for the help alliance
The Hogar Maria Luisa children’s home takes care of children who were in danger. It offers them a place where they can feel safe, develop their full potential and prepare for their future. Founded in 1877 by Maria Luisa Schulz, it initially accepted children from German immigrant families. Today, the focus is on responding to the most urgent needs of the poorest children. Each year, the children’s home accepts around 30 young victims of violence and domestic abuse. Siblings are taken in to the home together where possible. Hogar Maria Luisa is committed to protecting the dignity of children and their right to a life free from fear and violence. The home also educates the children in various areas of life, giving them new perspectives and the chance to move away from their negative experiences in the past. The children’s home receives additional support from a local network of highly committed volunteers who actively help in a variety of ways.
“We at help alliance have been supporting the project since 2022. Through its sponsorship, the Worldshop is actively helping to give traumatised children a new home.”
2022
Start of a pilot project: development of an educational support programme for traumatised children.
2023
Decision to renovate the building; start of the first measures: renovating the roof, replacing the windows etc.
2024
Start of extension of the second floor to offer space to accommodate siblings; extensive refurbishment work (painting, floor coverings, renewal of heating, electrical and water supply); opening and admission of new children.
2025
Completion of the second floor; Introduction of an educational programme for older siblings on the extended upper floor (educational activities, excursions, psychological support); addition of specialists to the support team (psychologist, social worker).
Current goal of the project
Renovation of the second floor
Owing to the poor condition of the roof, the second floor of the building had to be closed for safety reasons. Our goal for 2024 and 2025 is to renovate and redesign the second floor of the Hogar Maria Luisa children’s home. This will not only create more space to accommodate the children, but also make it possible to introduce educational programmes for older siblings, for example the creation of a reading room. Together with the help alliance, we are doing everything to achieve these goals and offer the children a better future. You can also support us in this!
In the heart of the action – stories that generate emotion
Author Marc Bielefeld and photographer Jens Görlich deliver first-hand accounts
