Children's Rights Advocacy Groups, Child Protection and DSW21, are taking their Children's Rights Bus campaign through Dortmund.
In the vibrant city of Dortmund, a unique initiative has taken to the streets to promote children's rights. The Children's Rights Bus, a mobile symbol of social responsibility, is currently in operation, thanks to the joint efforts of the Dortmund Children's Protection Association (DKSB) and Dortmunder Stadtwerke AG (DSW21).
Martina Furlan, CEO of DKSB, has been the driving force behind this action-packed project. The bus, adorned with eye-catching designs and manga characters Juri and Lexa, travels daily on varying routes across the city, reaching children in different neighbourhoods.
The bus aims to draw attention to children's rights, with its clear message emphasizing peace, equality, non-violence, and care. A prominent feature of the bus is the emergency number 116111, the Children and Youth Helpline, which provides immediate assistance to children in need.
In addition, children can directly contact the Children's Protection Association via a special WhatsApp contact, ensuring help is just a message away. Ulrich Jaeger, transport director of DSW21, has expressed his support for this cooperation, stating that protecting and helping children is a central task for them.
Klaus-Peter Langner, chairman of DKSB Dortmund, is delighted with DSW21's enthusiasm for the idea and hopes that the bus will not only travel through the city but also raise awareness about children's rights among the public. The bus is more than just a means of transport; it is a moving symbol of social responsibility.
While there is no dedicated "Children's Rights Bus" program in Dortmund specifically focused on promoting children's rights through bus routes or public transportation, it is worth noting that organisations like Borussia Dortmund’s Fan-Projekt run youth education and social responsibility initiatives. These programs, however, are not carried out through a public bus network.
The Children's Rights Bus, operated by DSW21 and DKSB, is a testament to the collective efforts of these organisations in ensuring the well-being and protection of children in Dortmund. Graphic designer Jens Neubert has designed the bus, ensuring it stands out in the cityscape and carries a powerful message for all to see.
This innovative initiative is making a significant impact in Dortmund, encouraging children to know and assert their rights while fostering a culture of social responsibility.
- To further strengthen this culture of social responsibility, the company, Dortmunder Stadtwerke AG (DSW21), is considering partnering with home-and-garden stores to create educational workshops on child safety at home, thereby extending their mission beyond transportation.
- There has been an influx of interest from other industries to collaborate with the Children's Rights Bus initiative due to its success in fostering a strong lifestyle ethos emphasizing care, equality, and respect for children's rights.
- In the future, the Dortmund City Council may explore incorporating Children's Rights friendly policies in finance, such as tax incentives for companies that invest in home-and-garden improvements focused on child safety, promoting the cause advocated by the Children's Rights Bus citywide.
