Schleiden: New Roots After the Flood

The Wurzelkinder Wald- und Naturkindergarten e.V. is located in the Eifel National Park and has a long and eventful history. It was founded in 1988, but only in 2019 was it transformed into a forest and nature kindergarten. At the same time, it became the first Waldorf forest kindergarten in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was, however, destroyed by the flood disaster in July 2021. The Friends of Waldorf Education provided rapid financial support. After a transitional period, the kindergarten was rebuilt at a new location in Schleiden. Kerstin Uhlig from Wurzelkinder shares with us the development:

For many years, we have accompanied children through nature – with open eyes, curious hearts, and plenty of space for free play and joint exploration. Our educational approach is deeply rooted in the belief that children not only play in nature, but also grow – both inwardly and outwardly.

In the summer of 2021, however, our path was abruptly interrupted. The flood disaster in the Schleiden valley also hit our kindergarten hard. Our former site in Schleiden was flooded, and our infrastructure destroyed. What remained was the community – parents, staff, and supporters who did not lose heart. Together, we made a decision: we would rebuild. And we chose a place where our roots could continue to grow – in the Schleiden district of Ettelscheid.

Reconstruction was challenging, but also full of hope. We are particularly grateful to the Friends of Waldorf Education, who supported us in 2022 with a quick and uncomplicated loan of 30,000 euros. This allowed us, even before the state reconstruction grant was ultimately approved in 2025, to finance a new “Wichtelwagen” – a protected space for our children that offers warmth and security. But that was not all: in 2024, the Friends also made it possible for us to acquire a yurt for 45,000 euros, which today serves as a sleeping and resting area and is lovingly referred to by the children as the “Dream Tent.”

With the current follow-up funding, we were able to build a barrier-free entrance to the yurt – an important step for inclusion and participation. In addition, our new forest area is being designed and made safe for the children: paths are being laid, play areas created, and retreat spaces integrated. Our grounds have already become a lively place for experiencing nature – with mud corners, climbing trees, observation points, and plenty of room for imagination.

The support from the Friends of Waldorf Education was more than just financial assistance – it was a sign of solidarity and trust in our work. It enabled us not only to continue after the flood but to move forward strengthened and with renewed clarity.

Today, we can once again take care of our children with all our hearts – in sun, rain, wind, and snow. We thank everyone who has accompanied us on this journey. And we look forward to continuing to put down roots together with the children – in nature, in life, and in our community.

Kerstin Uhlig