How time flies!

On 28 June part of Schillerstraße was transformed into a lively festival area: Studierendenwerk Aachen celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Pusteblume daycare center with a big anniversary party.

Many older residents of Schillerstraße still remember the beginnings of “Pusteblume”: at the turn of the millennium, a gleaming white new building was erected between Mattschö-Moll-Weg and Hohenstaufenallee, surrounded by a barren green area. Today, 25 years later, a lush garden blossoms around the building, where children romp around on colorful playground equipment - a remarkable development that also applies to the outstanding childcare facilities. Carmen Reiß-Frings, Head of Department for Social Services and Daycare Centers at Studierendenwerk, looks back proudly on a quarter of a century of educational work: "We started out small, but now we are an experienced contact for many families in Aachen and a trusted partner of the city and the universities. We have a good network: together with other organizations, we have implemented great projects in recent years."

Studierendenwerk as a pioneer
Planning for a large “Studi-Kita” began back in the 1980s. However, it was not until the end of the 1990s that the first legal changes were made that allowed student unions to operate mixed-age daycare centers alongside crèches. Aachen was one of the pioneers at the time. Construction began in 1999, and just one year later the doors opened for three childcare groups. The location on Schillerstraße is ideal: the green Hangeweiher pond is only 200 meters away, and the student housing complex built in 1987 in Mattschö-Moll-Weg offers student families a home and a short walk to the daycare center.

Studierendenwerk is proud of another event: in 2008, Pusteblume was awarded the “Family Center NRW” seal of approval. This makes it one of the first ten facilities in Aachen and one of the first 300 in the state to be awarded the seal. It was also the third of all certified Studierendenwerk daycare centers in NRW. Unlike other family centers in Aachen, which are only responsible for individual districts, the Pusteblume is the central point of contact for student parents from all over Aachen.

A strong development
Since its foundation, the facility has continued to develop. It currently looks after four mixed-age groups - two for under-three and two for children aged three to six - supported by 22 employees. Sandra Roemer, head of the facility, praises the great atmosphere in particular: "The Pusteblume daycare center and family center is a place that connects people from all over the world. Everyone and their uniqueness is welcome here. We encourage the children to discover their world and let them ‘fly on’ with strength. “ Sebastian Böstel, Managing Director of Studierendenwerk Aachen, sees the daycare center as more than fulfilling the Studierendenwerk's legal mandate: ”The concept of making everyday university life easier for student parents is being implemented here in remarkably solid structures. Pusteblume has stood for reliability and outstanding educational work for years. "

Colourful program on the anniversary day
The program on the anniversary day offered a colourful variety of activities that delighted young and old alike. After a warm welcome, the children presented a cheerful musical performance that invited everyone to clap and sing along. Music lovers enjoyed drumming demonstrations, while the younger guests put their skills to the test in various hands-on activities: Rubber boot tossing, can throwing, wheelbarrow races, face painting, balloon animals, bobby car races or creative button making - there was something for everyone. After the demonstrations, families explored the wide range of activities on offer or indulged in coffee, cake and small treats in the cozy cafeteria. A special highlight was the balloon postcard competition, in which the children sent their wishes into the sky. In the sports hall, a nostalgic corner with photos from the past 25 years brought back memories - a look back at a long history full of joy, development and community.