The MühlenMinis are now playing in the log cabin
The Anneliese Pohl Foundation is providing 40,000 euros in funding for the “MühlenMinis” daycare group project at the Steinmühle. To celebrate, the little ones were given a “grand welcome.” The newly renovated log cabin on the Steinmühle grounds has now been officially opened for the two daycare groups serving children ages 1–3. In attendance were School Association Chairman Egon Vaupel and his deputy Gerhard Müller, local government representatives, and Arzu Kurt-Duran, Executive Director of the Anneliese Pohl Foundation. She presented the Steinmühle with a check for 40,000 euros to support the project.
“We are very fortunate to have a local foundation that supports such projects,” Vaupel explained at the beginning of his speech. In order to meet as many criteria as possible as a family-friendly employer, Steinmühle wants to give its employees the opportunity to place their children in safe and reliable care even during working hours. Two professional child care providers, Sarina Rösler and Debora Schmidt from the Marburg-Biedenkopf Child Care Association, ensure that this is fully achieved by caring for the children in two groups, each with a maximum of five children.
The “MühlenMinis,” as they are affectionately called, are housed in the former log cabin. Built in 1980, the building was completely renovated to create a thoroughly modern environment. The facility now offers everything parents could want for their children: a children’s bathroom, a kitchen, an attractively designed lounge, sleeping and quiet areas—and, of course, plenty of opportunities to play.
A safe outdoor area for kids to run around
Foundation Manager Arzu Kurt-Duran was impressed by the building’s cheerfully designed interior and its amenities. To ensure that everyone could get a good look at the facility’s exterior as well, the official opening was intentionally scheduled for spring. The outdoor area was completely redesigned for the children and securely fenced in. There, they can play, run around, and explore to their heart’s content. A large sandbox invites them to dig, and it is protected by a sunshade.
The facility had already been put into operation last fall: The first MühlenMinis, including the son of project manager Fabian Küster, had already moved in on October 23.
Arzu Kurt-Duran, herself a former student at Steinmühle, was delighted to present the donation on behalf of the Anneliese Pohl Foundation and wished the institution every success. The Anneliese Pohl Foundation and the school association have agreed that any daycare spots at Steinmühle that remain unfilled will be made available to parents in the Anneliese Pohl Foundation’s community.
A representative from the second partner, Sparkasse Marburg Biedenkopf, also attended the official dedication ceremony for the MühlenMinis building: Steinmühlen Managing Director Dirk Konnertz welcomed Human Resources Manager Michaela Weiser. Also present were Mayor Nadine Bernshausen and Petra Prenzel from the City of Marburg’s Child Care Department. The mayor was very impressed by the “wonderful grounds” and brought gifts. The opening ceremony was attended by many Steinmühle staff members, including Principal Björn Gemmer, Boarding School Director Anke Muszynski, and members of the school administration Tobias Karlein, Frank Wemme, and Dirk Lange.
