Projekt Beschreibung
Since almost 15 Esther Wittstock has been active in the Philippines for years and has helped countless families and children in need. What started as an internship, became a life's work full of dedication and compassion. Your story shows, as if from a personal wish, to make something happen, a movement can occur, which has changed the lives of many people.
The beginning of a lifelong mission
Almost a decade and a half ago, Esther completed an internship in an SOS Children's Village in the Philippines. She accompanied children to school for three months, supported her with homework and helped with everyday tasks. They were intense weeks, that left a deep impression on her. After returning to Germany, she immediately felt it, that she no longer belonged there. “I noticed, that I am needed here,” she remembers. And so her journey began: Between her studies and internships, she repeatedly flew back to the Philippines and worked for the people there.
From landfill to sustainable solutions
One of the first major projects was the construction of a drinking water plant in Davao City, a region, in which many people lived in inhumane conditions on a landfill. There was a lack of clean drinking water and basic infrastructure. Esther and a friend initiated the construction of a water station, which not only gave residents access to clean water, but also offered a sustainable financing option. By selling the water, the plant could be operated in the long term. “It was a big project, that demanded everything from us, but it was worth it”, she remembers.
Today the water station is a symbol of hope. Projects for the region's children continue to be carried out on site, such as Christmas parties. In addition, two social workers were hired, who support the families. These additional initiatives were started by Esther's friend, who also helped organize the first project and still lives in Davao today. The local commitment continues to bear fruit and offers people a perspective.
Christmas full of hope
Another passion project is their Christmas campaigns, which she has been organizing for many years. “No food on Christmas night” started with a spontaneous idea, as Esther remarked on her first Christmas night in the Philippines, that many children and families did not even have anything to eat on this special festival. Back then, she cooked meals with friends and distributed them in the slums. Today the campaign has developed into a large-scale project, which runs throughout December.
Every year Esther and her team distribute rice, Christmas presents and lovingly put together packages with local specialties such as fruit salad or spaghetti. Children can take part in small Christmas parties, Play games and win prizes. “It's not just about that, to fill their bellies, but also about that, to put a smile on their faces,” she says. It is particularly important to her, that the help arrives exactly there, where it is needed most – in the most remote villages and slums, which are often forgotten by other organizations.
Education as the key to the future
In addition to the Christmas campaigns, Esther is particularly committed to education. Every year before school starts she distributes school packages, the bare essentials such as notebooks, Pens and backpacks included. In collaboration with local communities and schools, it ensures, that children have access to the materials, that they need for a successful start to school. “It's often the little things, that make the biggest difference,” she explains.
Help, which arrives
What particularly sets Esther apart, is your personal commitment. She visits the local people, talks to them, understands their needs and adapts the help individually. “I want to make sure, that every donation really reaches there, where it is needed,” she emphasizes. Whether that's what it's about, To provide families with rice, Equipping children with school supplies or supplying remote villages with solar lamps – Esther is always there, to listen and act.
Achieving great things together
Show Esther’s projects, how much a single person can move, if she follows her heart. With support from friends, Thanks to donors and local helpers, she has touched countless lives and brought about change. “It doesn't take much, to make a difference,” she says. She does it every year, to achieve a big impact with small means and shows, that compassion and commitment can make the world a better place.