Danke
Our supporters
Spielwelt has grown with the support of families, volunteers, organisations and friends who have shared their time, expertise, resources and encouragement over the years.
GEMEINSAM MÖGLICH GEMACHT
It takes more than a village
As a community-run not-for-profit, Spielwelt has always relied on people who believe in what we do. Some have supported us with funding or materials. Others have shared their expertise, opened doors, volunteered their time or simply spoken up for the value of children growing up with more than one language and culture. Together, that support has helped Spielwelt grow from a community idea into the place it is today.
Danke.
STIMMEN FÜR SPIELWELT
Words from our patrons
Over the years, Spielwelt has been fortunate to have patrons who have championed our work and the value of growing up with more than one language and culture.
Associate Professor Roger Hillman
Australian National University — German
“Canberra’s multicultural strengths must be enhanced by the enterprising children’s programs run by the Spielwelt German Parents Association: the German language playgroups, the German Australian Playschool, and the Pfadfinder Scouts. These kinds of programs enrich both English- and German-speaking communities. The opportunity to consolidate, or be exposed to, a second language at such a young age is enviable: For pronunciation, vocabulary, ease of acquisition, I wish I’d had it! Beyond that there is the opportunity and challenge of cultural socialization. To manage all that, while retaining the element of play, is a wonderful achievement. These programs are sure to offer a rich experience and lots of fun for the children enrolled. Viel Spass und alles Gute!”
Dr. Klaus-Peter Klaiber
Former German Ambassador · Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the ANU · Former Assistant Secretary General to NATO
“Greetings as a patron. I am very supportive of the successful establishment of German language playgroups, the German Australian Playschool and the German Australian Pfadfinder Scouts in Australia’s capital city Canberra. As a former diplomat, I know from experience in many different countries that a sound education and the mastery of foreign languages is the key to lasting success in our globalised world. The earlier children are introduced to different cultures and languages, the better they will appreciate our fascinating planet earth. I therefore wish the Spielwelt German children’s groups the best of success.”
Steve Dodt
dodt.com studios
“I am very excited to have played a small part in the establishment of Spielwelt over 10 years ago. Exposure to a second language through immersion and cultural play is the best kind of environment in which to thrive and learn, from my experience. Having learnt German as a child here in Australia I truly see the value of the German language playgroups, the German Australian Playschool and the German Australian Pfadfinder Scouts. Knowing a second language opens one’s world to new possibilities and I strongly encourage everyone to give it a go and have fun.”
Professor Michael Clyne
Emeritus Professor, School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, Monash University · Honorary Professorial Fellow, School of Languages and Linguistics, University of Melbourne
IN MEMORIAM – Professor Michael Clyne was a patron and supporter of Spielwelt until his passing on 29 October 2010.
“I am delighted to be a patron of Spielwelt. It propagates the kind of Australia that I strive to be part of, a culturally inclusive Australia. Both through its own activities (including playschool, language classes, bilingual scouting) and through information dissemination about other organisations, it encourages bilingualism and biculturalism in Australia at all levels from early childhood to adult. It collaborates with and encourages similar activities in other language groups.
Spielwelt is one of the grassroots organisations which aims to break down the hurdle of monolingualism and to overcome the monolingual mindset in this country.
Bilingualism is not only a key to two cultures and for many an expression of multiple identities. Nor is it just an investment in a global future. Most importantly it promotes a different kind of cognitive development with potential advantages to the individual across the life span and to this multicultural nation.”
Mit uns auf dem weg
Supportes over the years
Spielwelt has been fortunate to receive support in many different forms over the years — from grants and financial contributions to books, toys, building materials, professional expertise and countless hours of people’s time.
Governments & Embassies
The ACT Government has supported Spielwelt through a range of grants over the years, including Community Support and Infrastructure grants, Multicultural Grants and Community Language Grants.
The German Embassy has supported the establishment of our Pfadfinder Scouts and provided gifts for GAP Playschool.
Businesses & Organisations
Many local businesses and organisations have contributed their expertise, services, materials and support to Spielwelt over the years.
dodt.com studios / Canberra Online — Steve Dodt has provided website services and hosting for Spielwelt since 2007.
Bunnings Belconnen — fundraising opportunities and donations of equipment.
Badgelink — support with name badges for Spielwelt staff and leaders.
EcoHeat — supply and installation of an environmentally friendly solar space heater and cooler.
Rivoland Tiles — discounted floor tiles.
Clark Rubber — support with materials for our traditional first-day-of-school gifts.
Super Toyworld and Hobbies, Fyshwick — German-language toys for Nikolaus presents at Spiel & Spass.
Mind Games Canberra — donation of a raffle prize.
ACTEWAGL — a $10,000 Green Grant in 2011.
LAROS Technologies — triple-glazed safety windows for the Turner Scout Hall at cost, supported by funding from the ACTEWAGL Green Grant.
Spielwelt Families
Some of Spielwelt’s most generous supporters have always been our own families.
Over the years, families have donated German children’s books and toys, fresh sand and playground mulch, new grass for the playground, professional skills and financial support.
Some contributions have been particularly personal. In 2009, three families anonymously contributed towards another child’s GAP fees, making it possible for her to attend.
And beyond these individual donations are the many people who give something just as valuable: their time. Pfadfinder leaders, Playgroup families, GAP parents and countless other volunteers have helped make Spielwelt what it is today.
Danke to everyone who has supported Spielwelt along the way.
Die nächste Generation
Help us keep building Spielwelt
Every contribution helps create more opportunities for children and families to experience German language and culture together.