Character
When did I come up with Ela?< I remember it exactly: during the first lockdown, in 2020. Back then, Aktion Neue Nachbarn asked me how they could reach children—despite the pandemic. (If you haven’t heard of Aktion Neue Nachbarn yet, it was one of the first organizations to dedicate itself to supporting new refugees.)
That’s when I created Ela. Children recognize her right away by her red heart-shaped nose. The little lamb is as soft and cuddly as a child—and just as vulnerable. In her letters, Ela tackles pressing issues and encourages children to face them head-on.
Thank you to Caritasverband im Oberbergischen Kreis @caritasoberberg and Aktion Neue Nachbarn @ann.koeln for this collaboration.
Learn more about Ela here:
Concept/idea
“An idea born out of necessity (during the first lockdown) has become a powerful advocate: Ela instills courage and respect in children and gives them the feeling that they are heard and seen.“
Angelina Hoppe,
Integrationsbeauftragte der Aktion Neue Nachbarn im Erzbistum Köln.
Ela
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Key facts
- So far, 30 letters ((Fig. Ela letter)) from Ela have been sent to kindergartens, elementary school and open all-day groups. The response has been both overwhelming and motivating.
- The book is designed to be read aloud, and has been available since 2023: „Ela! Mutmachgeschichten mit Herz“ (“Ela! Stories of Courage with Heart and Soul”). Ideal for children aged 5 and over. Unfortunately, the book will only be available for a short time.
- In 2026 Ela will be writing four more letters.
ø
in 2025
Ela writes four
New letters!
