The Last Game: Wrapping up GWMD’s second edition

Child with his imprisoned dad at Oslebshausen Prison
(© buten un binnen)

Laughter and cheers filled the sports hall of Oslebshausen Prison as five imprisoned fathers reunited with their children for a day of games and connection. This marked the final ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ event of campaign’s second international edition and the fourth game to be hosted in Germany by Hoppenbank e.V., a COPE member working in Germany.

This COPE-led initiative, based on the successful model developed by the Italian organisation Associazione Bambinisenzasbarre, aims to strengthen the bond between children and their imprisoned parents. GWMD is the last step in a long process, lasting several months, during which imprisoned parents, their children and family members are involved in a series of meetings, with the support of educators and prison staff. These meetings and other psycho-pedagogical activities aim to support the child-parent relationship during the period of detention.

With nine children—ranging in age from just one year old to seventeen—joining the event alongside five caregivers, the gymnasium transformed into a space of warmth and togetherness.

A variety of games were set up, with the volleyball court emerging as a crowd favorite. Two families, whose children were of similar ages, went head-to-head in a friendly match. Group games towards the end of the event, like Brennball, also received enthusiastic participation. One imprisoned father shared:

His words underscored just how powerful these moments are for both parents and children alike.

© Hoppenbank e.V.
© Hoppenbank e.V.

Beyond the sports, the climbing wall made a return, offering families the chance to tackle a course together. The safety mats beneath also became a cozy spot for cuddles and intimate conversations.

For a six-year-old child, the day was pure joy: “that was a lot of fun!”, he said with a big smile.

A unique aspect of this event was the presence of a press team from a Regional Magazine, documenting the experience while ensuring child safeguarding at the same time. One family even spoke on camera, sharing their thoughts on the significance of the program. The segment aired the same evening, allowed the public a glimpse into this event. Watch the broadcast here.

Hoppenbank e.V. emphasised the long-term benefits of these events: “This is enormously important for strenghtening and preserving with the child-parent bond,” a team member shared.

As we wrap up the second edition and gear up for 2025, we encourage anyone interested in participating to get in touch. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, send us a message here.

 © buten un binnen
© buten un binnen

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