What is a prerequisite for equal participation of children with and without disabilities in playgrounds is by no means a reality everywhere. The "Stück zum Glück" initiative aims to change this. It collects donations to realise the construction of inclusive playgrounds. The joint Germany-wide fundraising campaign by Procter & Gamble (P&G), REWE and Aktion Mensch has now reached its self-imposed target of three million euros.
A playground as a meeting place for all children in as many places as possible, equipped with accessible surfaces, ramps, visual or tactile guidance systems and play elements that appeal to multiple senses and are accessible to all: This is the main goal of the "Stück zum Glück" initiative.
The initiative has already realised over 50 inclusive playground projects across Germany. Playgrounds with a varied selection of equipment that offer all children an inclusive play experience can now be found almost everywhere in Germany.
Playing for all has only been possible to a limited extent in Germany so far. "Only one in five playgrounds is at least partially barrier-free or has inclusive play equipment so that children with disabilities can play and run around there without restrictions," says Christina Marx, spokesperson for Aktion Mensch, based on a study* conducted by the social organisation.
Three million euro donation target reached
Since the initiative began in 2018, the donation target of three million euros has now been reached. For the project partners P&G, REWE and Aktion Mensch, one thing is certain: it will continue. Under the motto 'Friendships know no barriers - playgrounds do', another million euros in donations are to be collected. The campaign aims to draw attention to the social importance of inclusive playgrounds both on social media and through campaigns. The next playground openings are already scheduled for May and June.
Playgrounds as places of encounter
"Children play a key role in shaping our future. That is why it is important to us that we promote the motor and social skills of all children and support them in their development. Barrier-free playgrounds make an important contribution to this. We are therefore delighted to be working with our partners Procter and Gamble, Aktion Mensch and, of course, our customers to raise the fourth million in donations. This will ensure that we can continue to build more inclusive playgrounds in the future," says Elke Wilgmann, Head of Marketing at REWE.
Social media campaign for a good cause
Mathias Mester, former para-athletics world and European champion in javelin throwing, is also a supporter of Stück zum Glück. He can currently be seen in a video on social media: He narrowly fails in his attempt to crack the three million mark at the REWE checkout by buying a promotional product. But he doesn't give up: "I'll be back. I'll break the million. The fourth then!" With a wink, the advert attracts attention and promotes the initiative.
The mechanics are simple: with every purchase of a P&G product at REWE, 0.01 euros goes towards the project to build more inclusive playgrounds throughout Germany.
* In 2023, the Research Institute for Inclusion through Physical Activity and Sport (FIBS) conducted a multi-method study on inclusion in playgrounds in Germany on behalf of Aktion Mensch. For the quantitative part, FIBS analysed 1,000 playgrounds listed online for their inclusive features. This was supplemented by interviews with experts in which the use of playgrounds with inclusive features and joint playground play by children with and without disabilities were discussed. All results of the study "Inclusion on playgrounds in Germany" at: www.aktion-mensch.de/spielplatzstudie
