My name is Eva-Maria Schinko and I was born 1980. I am a publicly appointed and sworn translator. I realised that working with people with different backgrounds and nationalities is important to me through several stays abroad. For this reason I wanted to share my knowledge of languages, whether that be teaching adults or private tuition for students. I founded my own language and private tuition school in October 2010. I particularly enjoy the different challenges that I face in my lessons every day. At Lernen-im-Allgäu everyone has the possibility to learn something new, regardless if you are managers in senior position refreshing your English speaking skills or an employee from a different country learning about German culture and the German language. For you, as well as students taking examinations, there are no limits to your learning.
My Heart Project: The Children's Day Care Centre in Atacames, Ecuador
Atacames, Ecuador, 2006 - Group photo at the day care centre
In 2006, I had the extraordinary privilege of spending six months of my life in Atacames, a small coastal town in Ecuador. I worked there as an intern at the children's day care centre - a place that serves as a second home for many children from low-income families.
Every day I played with the little ones, helped with hygiene education, organised activities and did my best to give them a carefree and joyful childhood - even though daily life there was anything but easy. That time shaped me deeply and changed my understanding of what truly matters in life.
In 2006, the situation in Atacames was still considerably more stable than it is today. The region now faces serious social challenges - and that is precisely what makes the work of the day care centre so incredibly valuable. Despite all adversity, it opens its doors for the children every single day.
Unforgettable moments
Time spent together that stays with you
The day care centre has been run for many years by Marisol, a woman with an unshakeable heart and boundless dedication to "her" children. She is supported by the Association for the Support of the Children's Day Care Centre in Atacames, which provides the necessary financial foundation from Germany.
The day care centre remains my heart project.
Sometimes, in the busyness of everyday life in Germany, we forget just how extraordinarily well off we are. One look at Atacames is enough to put things back into perspective. There, what counts is a glass of clean water, a roof that doesn't leak, a smile that stays.
I try to encourage as many people as possible to make a small contribution - because every euro makes a real difference there. If you would like to give something, you will find all the information on the association's website: www.kinderhort-atacames.org