Himmel un Ääd Café Supports Local and International Social Projects Through Quarterly Charity Events and Donations
Himmel un Ääd Café unveils two new social projects this quarter
Currently, a school in Ghana and a mobile medical service are benefiting from this solidarity.
A Feature by Himmel un Ääd
Each quarter, the Himmel un Ääd team presents a "double feature"—reporting on one local social project and one from the "Global South." At the end of the quarter, these initiatives receive funding from charity events, café operations, tips, and donations collected.
In the first quarter, the team supported a water purification project for a school in Chettunnapadu, India (€3,200) and youth work in Schildgen, Germany (€4,000), including new tents for the KJG (Catholic Youth Group) and a musical project by the Protestant Youth (€2,000 each).
Current International Quarter Project: "Building Blocks for the Future" for an Inclusive School in Kasao, Ghana
For years, Himmel un Ääd Café has served as a drop-off point for "Zukunfts-Bausteine e.V." (Future Building Blocks), an initiative that turns donated books, CDs, and DVDs into resources for education, dignity, and a sustainable future. The association's founder and chairwoman is Ms. Stäger from Refrath.
What began over a decade ago as the idea of "turning books into building blocks" has grown into a network that strengthens schools, enables vocational training, promotes climate protection, and supports projects that enhance food security.
As part of the current quarterly project, Himmel un Ääd is backing efforts to establish a school for people with disabilities in Kasao, Ghana.
Local H&A Project: The CAYA Mobile Clinic—Medical Care for the Homeless and Those in Need
This quarter's local initiative comes from Cologne-Mülheim. Coincidentally, at the end of May, the CAYA Association will also begin a partnership with Bergisch Gladbach, as announced by the city's social committee.
Since 2021, the Cologne-based CAYA (Come As You Are) association has provided medical assistance to those without health insurance, a family doctor, or a permanent home. The organization is led by Prof. Dr. Mark Oette, Chief Physician of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases at Cologne's Severinsklösterchen Hospital.
Since late last year, CAYA's work has been supported by a mobile clinic—a medically equipped Mercedes Sprinter that nearly matches the capabilities of a stationary practice. For complex treatments, telemedicine allows clinical specialists to assist via internet and video technology, providing the treating physician with additional expertise. To prevent power loss during extended stops, the vehicle is equipped with a high-capacity generator. The CAYA Bus is set to operate in Cologne, Bergisch Gladbach, and surrounding areas.
Open House: Meet the CAYA Mobile Clinic
On April 28 at 5:00 PM, the CAYA Clinic Bus will be parked outside Himmel un Ääd Café, where visitors can explore it with expert explanations. Prof. Dr. Oette and Ingo Wosch from the "Jän Jeholfe" initiative will present the bus and the Come As You Are (CAYA) project—all are warmly invited to attend.
For further details on all Himmel un Ääd quarterly projects, visit the *Himmel un Ääd website*.
