KinderRechteForum (KRF) is a non-profit organisation based in Cologne and is distinguished in particular by its independent, nationwide ombudsman service for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The work of the KRF is based on three main areas of activity: Individual help, lobbying and promotion of commitment. Üwen Ergün, CEO and recently voted as one of the TOP 40 under 40, founded the company in 2014.
After I was able to volunteer at KRF for a while for a digitization project during my sabbatical, I stayed in contact with Üwen and was asked in the last quarter of 2019 to take my commitment to the next level. The change in the shareholder team and management is part of the strategic expansion planned since the end of 2018. In addition to this development, it was also decided to establish an advisory board. Find the official press release here (in German).
My role is to provide strategic advice to the management in all business areas, especially with regard to business development activities. I am deeply convinced that I am supporting a good cause and look forward to the time ahead. Absolute lighthouse projects are planned for 2020 such as: „Living children’s rights – strengthening democracy“
As a lobby group, KinderRechteForum is particularly committed to strengthening the self-confidence of children and young people and to supporting them in their commitment to their own rights and the implementation of their ideas. To promote their participation in society, we will continue to organize primary school project weeks in the socially deprived areas of Cologne in 2020 with a high proportion of schoolchildren with an immigrant background.
In workshops, the children are first informed about their rights and, depending on their age and interests, take part in various activities to promote their involvement. There are various project groups to choose from, such as democracy promotion, non-violent communication, theatre workshops and public demonstrations. The project weeks are carried out in close cooperation with the schools and the school social work and offer an ideal framework for discovering one’s own interests and shaping one’s personal living environment in a sustainable way. Donate here!
