District supports complete refurbishment of Mühlhausen daycare centre
The Protestant daycare centre in Twistetal-Mühlhausen is called "Unterm Regenbogen" ("Under the rainbow"), not least because of its colourful interior. In future, things will be even more colourful and cheerful for the girls and boys there, but only once the conversion and basic renovation of the building have been completed next year. The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg has already supported the building project with grants totalling 100,000 euros.
First District Councillor and Head of the Youth Department Karl-Friedrich Frese has now presented Twistetal's Mayor Stefan Dittmann with a further €53,000 in funding. "We have earmarked a further 32,000 euros for the Mühlhausen kindergarten from our funds for investment support for daycare centres for 2024," reported Frese from the budget planning for the coming year. This means that the maximum amount of the district subsidy of 20 per cent of the eligible costs, which has been set at 925,000 euros, has been reached.
"Many thanks to the district for continuing to support us with this important investment despite the difficult cash situation," said Mayor Dittmann, delighted with the grant. The old half-timbered rectory in the centre of the village, right next to the church, has always been a favourite of his and it is great that it has not only been preserved in its use as a kindergarten, but has even been extended. "We can rely on skilled craftsmen from our own community for the necessary renovation," said Dittmann, praising the rapid progress of the work. The good news for Twistetal is that around 50 per cent of the costs can be refinanced thanks to additional funding from the Hessenkasse. "We have to do a lot more in terms of construction, but we can also expect an improved funding backdrop."
"We are happy to do what we can financially, especially when it comes to childcare," said Frese, head of the youth department, in response to the thanks from the Twistetal head of administration. The local authorities already have enough to bear with the costs of running daycare centres. Supporting investment measures in this area will continue to be on the district's funding agenda, as far as the budget situation allows. Waldeck-Frankenberg can also be a little proud to be the only district in Hesse to increase the amount of investment grants from the district if the construction costs for a day care centre rise unexpectedly.
The Mühlhausen kindergarten children will be looked after in two groups in the village community centre for the duration of the renovation work. When they return to their cosy old half-timbered house - probably in late autumn next year - they can expect an even more spacious home, which has been extended to include a second group room on the upper floor. If required, this group room could take in kindergarten children from Berndorf and Twiste in an "overflow function" and the childcare hours could generally be extended until 5 pm. Like the two other Twistetal kindergartens, "Unterm Regenbogen" belongs to the special-purpose association of Protestant daycare centres in Nordwaldeck.