Shaping the world of tomorrow together

A real adventure
full of friendship and solidarity

Imagine 72 children from all over the world coming together to build an entire village—not from stones, but from gingerbread, icing, and colorful sweets! What might sound like an ordinary winter craft activity turned into a real adventure full of friendship and teamwork.

With the support of the German Children’s Fund, the 20yr Foundation launched a special winter project where children and young people could show what truly matters: creating something amazing together.

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A village full of dreams and sweet delights

For six days, the project space was transformed into a creative workshop. Refugee children from Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East worked side by side with local children. Their mission? To create an entire gingerbread village—with houses, towers, and maybe even a candy-cane bridge!

But it was about so much more than just gingerbread houses. While the children decorated their creations with sprinkles and glued icing onto rooftops, something magical was taking shape: real friendships. Without long speeches or complicated explanations, they experienced how wonderful it is when everyone is welcome—no matter where they come from or what language they speak.

More than just crafting

Through games, laughter, and creative freedom, the participants discovered their own superpower: building a community together where everyone feels at home. The excitement was huge! Especially among families who had often felt alone before, eyes began to shine.

One child glued a roof, another built a wall, another designed a garden—and suddenly, an entire village stood there. Each house was unique, just like the children who built it.

For six days
the project space was transformed into a creative workshop

Refugee children
from Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East worked side by side with local children

To create an entire gingerbread village
with houses, towers, and perhaps even a candy-cane bridge

The real superpower: solidarity

This project proved that children are true experts at building bridges—not just out of gingerbread! When they use their imagination and work together, differences seem to disappear as if by magic. They showed us all that inclusion is not a complicated word from books, but something you can create with your own hands—one gingerbread house at a time.

And the best part? What they built together during those six days goes far beyond gingerbread and icing. They laid a foundation for lasting friendships and for a future where everyone belongs together.

The gingerbread village may long be eaten,
but the memories and friendships will last forever!