Alina Cushnirik (32) used to be a teacher in Ukraine, now she is an educator in the kids club. Here with the children Anton 12 and Maria 4 from Chernowtsi Photo: Ralf Gunther
By Sara Orlos Fernandes
For the heart project, Alexandra Melendez (32) gave up her job as an editor after ten years. Together with her friend Maria Köster (43), she would like to support refugee families in the family center in the future.
Since November, the founders have been converting the rooms in the former Matratzen Concord branch on Bundesallee into a children’s paradise. Shortly before the opening on Saturday, laminate flooring was still being laid.
Nano’s Kidsclub is no ordinary daycare center.
Fortunately, Nano’s Kidsclub has received many private donations and from daycare centers Photo: Ralf Gunther
The concept: Ukrainian mothers can book childcare for two hours a day free of charge, while they get help with finding a job, housing and language in the parents’ area.
In addition, there should be psychological help and yoga courses. Meanwhile, five teachers from Ukraine look after 20 children per care window.
The children are cared for two hours a day free of charge and can play Photo: Ralf Gunther
The Berliners are supported by the Hasso Plattner Foundation. “If we had done that through public authorities, it would probably have taken five years,” says Köster (43).
Alexandra Melendez (left) and Maria Köster founded Nano’s Kidsclub together, where they look after Ukrainian children and want to advise their parents Photo: Ralf Gunther
The friends have been committed to the Ukraine since the beginning of the war and founded a donation collection point after the outbreak of the war, which they still look after today. That’s where the idea for the Nanos Kidsclub came from.
“We are constantly in contact with Ukrainian mothers. The demand for a place like this is huge. That’s why we created it,” says Melendez.