Sunshine4kids' 'Fleet of Hope' sets off again

by Lee Mylchreest on 29 Mar 2014 Sailing is not only the most enjoyable of all sports or lifestyles, it can be a life-changing event for those with a background of hardship. Out there on the waves, the problems on land seem to fall away into the wake, whether it is planned or not. So Germany's 'Fleet of Hope' sets and example each year about how young people can be helped, just by taking them sailing.

Each year the 'Fleet of Hope' seeks to assimilate the experiences of children in difficult personal situations, give them the opportunity to practice tolerance, ability to work as a team and grow a sense of responsibility, strengthening social abilities, form new friendships, as well as reflecting and coping with personal experiences under supervision of educationalists and psychologists. Why? because children need hope - hope for a better life and a better future.

This year the 'Fleet of hope' is sailing from July 18th until July 27th 2014. Their voyage starts on the island of Fehmarn and goes through a number of regional marinas to the Port of Travemunde, in order to participate in one of Europe’s
largest sailing-events, the '125th Travemunder Woche', where they will raise their flags and perform the sunshine4kids-Show’ on stage on July 26th.

Who is the 'Fleet of hope' intended for?
• Children and teenagers that have lost one or both of their parents
• Children that are brought up in an institution or care homes
• 'Shadow kids', who have lost a sibling or who’s sibling is terminally ill
• Kids who are critically ill or who have been abused
• Children and teenagers whose living circumstances and conditions do not allow a vacation
• Kids and youth between 12 and 16 years of age

Who is attending the children?
• Qualified social education workers
• Teachers
• Psychologists
• Skippers and boat owners
• SProfessional medical personnel supports the entire fleet

Size of the 'Fleet of hope':
In 2014 it is intended to start with more than 100 young participants and 30 yachts with their crews. We hope that the 'Fleet of hope' will experience a continuous development from year to year. Children from every federal state of Germany may participate.

Educational experience
The educational concept of the 'Fleet of hope' leaves a permanent mark not only on the young participants but bids for tolerance and sympathy through large media coverage in the broad public as well. The annual experience of this collective sailing event is creating ideal conditions to transport our goals in a very efficient, concrete and professional way.
Costs
Participation is completely free of charge for the children. All accumulated costs will be covered
by sunshine4kids Association and are furthermore financed by sponsors and other contributors.

Federal President Joachim Gauck says:
'The destiny of disadvantaged children is close to my heart. Due to the difficult living situation that the participants are in for different reasons it is important that these youth can turn their backs to their everyday environment for a while and smell the scent of the big wide world. These escapes from a wearing everyday life are particularly valuable to gain power and inspiration for a promising future. I am pleased to support the engagement of sunshine4kids by taking over the patronage of 'Fleet of hope' 2014.'

'Fleet of Hope' is still looking for sponsors for 2014. For more information email info@sunshine4kids.de