Funding Project 06/2026 -Integration and Fairness Camp for Children and Youth

Matthias Bader, Pastor Jonathan Malisi, Dieter u. Bettina Wulkow Hanna Schmidt (group photo after our meeting /Immanuel Gemeinde e.V. / Wulkow Stiftung)

We recently received a special request from the Immanuel-Gemeinde e.V. (Immanuel Congregation), located in the Niedergirmes district of Wetzlar.

Given that this district—as is generally known—is characterized by both cultural and religious diversity on the one hand, and a precarious social situation on the other, the request from this Evangelical Free Church congregation, which is dedicated in many respects to serving the often disadvantaged families, children, and youth living there, has sparked our particular interest. This presented an excellent opportunity for us to meet on-site for a discussion with the responsible community staff members.

The meeting took place on May 20, 2026, in the community rooms of the Immanuel-Gemeinde e.V., where Foundation Board members Dieter and Bettina Wulkow were warmly welcomed by Hanna Schmidt (Family Liaison), Matthias Bader (Organizer of the 2026 Integration- and Fairness Camp), and Community Pastor Jonathan Malisi.

We learned that, since 2014—guided by its foundation of free-church and Christian values—the Immanuel Community has been particularly dedicated to supporting people who have largely fled from crisis regions and who often possess limited language skills or sources of income. They provide assistance to children, adolescents, and families, regardless of their origin, social background, or religious affiliation, offering developmental support, integration aid, opportunities for social participation, and initiatives to foster intercultural understanding and respectful interaction within a pluralistic society. This support extends not only to residents of the Niedergirmes district but also to families from neighboring communities surrounding Wetzlar. -Through our work, we also play a preventive role in fostering mutual understanding in the event of potential interpersonal conflicts; to this end, we regularly train our staff and volunteers-, explains Hanna Schmidt, the designated contact person for families.

Pastor Jonathan Malisi adds that -Sunday services serve as a solid foundation for these often-disadvantaged individuals, gatherings where a community comprising people from over 16 nations comes together-. Up to 140 young people frequently participate in the Immanuel Congregation’s various weekly programs, which aim to foster their development, support parents with parenting issues, and help alleviate social disadvantage.

Younger children and adolescents, in particular, enjoy taking part in holiday recreational programs, such as soccer camps, musical theater workshops, and other leisure activities. Just such a football camp is scheduled to take place this coming August during the summer holidays. Matthias Bader is responsible for organizing the camp,a likeable and dedicated youth worker for the municipality, originally from Italy, who speaks perfect German. Matthias explains that -we specifically invite children and adolescents from our neighborhood and the entire city of Wetzlar. Through this camp, we aim to build bridges between young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, create a space for encounter and mutual understanding, and break down prejudices between cultures. By exerting a positive influence, we also boost the self-esteem of these children. Many of whom would otherwise have limited opportunities for, or access to, meaningful leisure activities. Furthermore, this initiative also fairness, team spirit, and social integration-.

To support this camp, the Immanuel Congregation requested our fund assistance, as the costs, covering insurance, sports equipment, the provision and cleaning of sanitary facilities, and meals for the participants,for the event scheduled for August 6th through 8th are substantial. The Dieter & Bettina Wulkow Foundation is contributing to ensure that all participants can take part for a minimal own personal contribution.

During our discussions with the congregation’s representatives, we identified many shared values ??aligned with our Foundation’s objectives. We are delighted to support this Integration- and Fairness-Camp for this disadvanteged local children and youth.

 Wetzlar, May 20th 2026