Bernd Siggelkow, founder of ‘Die Arche,’ has been recognized with the BAMBI 2024 award for his dedication to supporting underprivileged children in Germany. Established in 1995, ‘Die Arche’ offers vital resources like meals and academic assistance, currently serving around 10,000 youths at over 30 locations. Siggelkow, drawing from his own challenging upbringing, advocates against child poverty and emphasizes the need for societal reform. He aims to foster love and relationships to help children realize their potential.
Bernd Siggelkow: Founder of ‘Die Arche’ Honored with a BAMBI
Bernd Siggelkow firmly believes that “the key to a child’s heart is love and relationships.” This philosophy underpins the work he and his team do at ‘Die Arche,’ an organization dedicated to supporting children in need across Germany. In a country renowned for its wealth and cultural contributions, Siggelkow highlights the alarming number of children facing not just financial hardship but also a lack of opportunities. In response to this societal challenge, he established ‘Die Arche’ in 1995, aiming to provide essential services like nutritious meals, homework help, and a safe space for conversation.
Nearly Three Decades of Commitment by Bernd Siggelkow
For his unwavering dedication, Bernd Siggelkow has been awarded the BAMBI 2024 in the ‘Silent Heroes’ category. ‘Die Arche’ emphasizes its mission to raise awareness about social injustices and advocate for improved living conditions for disadvantaged children and families throughout Germany. The first ‘Die Arche’ facility was launched in Berlin Hellersdorf, and today, nearly 30 years later, the organization serves around 10,000 children and young people at over 30 locations nationwide. These centers offer a nurturing environment where children can play, study, and receive the recognition they often lack.
Support from Celebrities and Foundations
‘Die Arche’ has garnered the support of many prominent figures, including Susan Sideropoulos, Günther Jauch, Veronica Ferres, and Lukas Podolski, who serve as ambassadors for the cause. Additionally, the organization is backed by the ‘Tribute To Bambi Foundation’ from the Burda group, which aids facilities in cities like Munich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin.
Personal Journey: From Poverty to Advocacy
Bernd Siggelkow’s understanding of childhood poverty is rooted in his own experiences. Born on February 25, 1964, in Hamburg, he faced significant challenges during his upbringing in St. Pauli, especially after his parents separated when he was just six. The ‘Süddeutsche Zeitung’ described his youth as anything but idyllic. Siggelkow recalls a pivotal moment when his mother left, leaving him and his brother behind with their father and grandmother.
His childhood was marked by instability, financial struggles, and personal loss. Siggelkow remembers the hardships vividly, including the death of his grandmother, for whom he had to take care as a young boy. Despite the difficulties, his passion for music became his salvation. He discovered the Salvation Army, where he learned to play the trombone for free and found a supportive community steeped in Christian values. At 20, he married a girl from a Salvation Army family, and together they raised six children.
After completing his commercial training, Siggelkow pursued theology at a Salvation Army seminary and later worked as a youth pastor, initially in Lörrach and subsequently in Berlin. His challenging childhood informs his empathy for the children he serves today.
The Urgent Call to Address Child Poverty
For his exceptional work, Siggelkow has received accolades such as the ‘Order of Merit of the State of Berlin’ and the ‘Federal Cross of Merit.’ He poignantly remarks that the success of ‘Die Arche’ reflects the failures of society. Despite the organization’s efforts, he believes that the plight of children from impoverished families remains largely unchanged. In response, he authored a book titled ‘The Crime Against Our Children,’ in which he addresses systemic failures and advocates for necessary reforms.
“It is a disgrace for such a rich country to produce poor children,” Siggelkow asserts. He points out that the annual failure of 50,000 children to graduate from school is not solely due to a failing education system but also reflects a broader societal neglect. He emphasizes that child poverty leads to unequal opportunities, and the nation cannot afford to squander the potential of its youth.
In a recent podcast, Siggelkow explained his approach: “We focus on cultivating love and relationships, working collaboratively to unlock each child’s potential and address their needs.”
The BAMBI awards ceremony will be streamed live for the first time from Bavaria Film Studios on November 7, 2024, starting at 8:15 PM. The media partner for BAMBI is Prime Video. If you’re not yet an Amazon Prime Video subscriber, you can start a 30-day free trial—after that, it’s just 8.99 euros/month or 89.90 euros/year.