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September 6, 2025 · Peter Bernscherer · Share on Facebook · Share on Twitter

About the European Children's House, Fear and Solidarity

Today it is about the European Children's House, about fear and about solidarity

 

These children have often experienced things that have deeply traumatized them – experiences no child should have to go through. At the Europahaus des Kindes (Children's European House), they find a safe haven where they can heal and grow. Europahaus des Kindes

 

The children need not only psychotherapy but also other forms of support. The facility therefore offers animal-assisted education with goats, sheep, and llamas, as well as painting, Gestalt therapy, and art therapy. These diverse opportunities help the children process their experiences and grow into self-confident, self-determined adults.

A particularly touching example is a young man who came to the facility 12 years ago with significant challenges. With great effort and support, he successfully completed his school career and now faces a promising future. The staff at this facility are proud to have accompanied him on this journey and helped him lead a self-determined life – despite all adversities.

Currently, 24 children live in the children's European House, divided into three residential groups. This community offers them support and stability during a time often marked by uncertainty and fear.

We have provided laptops and tablets to help the children better cope with the digital world.

Pamela Mensing orchestrated all of this. She is a psychotherapist and active with the SPÖ (https://www.spoe.at) , Volkshilfe (https://www.volkshilfe.at) , and SOS Balkanroute . She speaks about fear, which is actually a normal and healthy feeling, but which can become overwhelming and harmful due to constant negative stimuli and a lack of options. In such times, it is all the more important to organize and find solutions together – politically and socially.