Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about Kinderland, our work, or how you can help? Find your answers here.
About Kinderland
Who is Kinderland?
Kinderland is run by the Kinderland Foundation, based in Vienna, and the partner organisation Kinderland Moldova in the Republic of Moldova. The foundation is responsible for strategic direction, funding, and quality assurance. The programmes are implemented operationally by the partner association Kinderland Moldova, in close collaboration with the foundation. This structure combines professional oversight with a strong local presence, enabling the sustainable and transparent implementation of our work.
What does Kinderland do?
Kinderland is committed to the protection and sustainable support of socially disadvantaged children and their families. Our work focuses on the rural areas of the Dubasari district in the Republic of Moldova, where children are particularly affected by poverty, neglect, violence, and a lack of parental care.
Why was Kinderland founded?
The foundation is committed to children in Moldova, particularly in the Dubasari district. The aim is to create a safe and reliable place that strengthens children academically, socially, and emotionally, enables fair opportunities for development, and provides lasting support to families and communities in the area of child protection.
Why establish a new organisation rather than supporting an existing one?
We made a conscious decision to found our own organisation because we want to help in a very focused and targeted way. Our structure allows us to respond dynamically and flexibly to socio-political or structural changes – particularly in a sensitive region such as the Republic of Moldova and the area around Transnistria.
Larger international organisations are only limitedly present there or have withdrawn. As a smaller organisation, we can make direct decisions, work closely with people, and provide precisely tailored support.
Why does our focus lie on the Republic of Moldova?
The people responsible for Kinderland have gained deep insight into the social and societal challenges of the country through many years of project work in Moldova. It became clear how severely children in particular suffer under labour migration, poverty, and the absence of caregiving structures. Based on these experiences came the recognition that an organisation like Kinderland is urgently needed to provide children with reliable support, protection, and prospects for the future.
THE CHILDREN & THE PROGRAMME
How many children are cared for at the day centre?
The day centre currently cares for 25 children. Up to 30 children could currently find a place there.
What are the age groups of the children?
The children are divided into two age groups: seven to nine years (younger group) and ten to thirteen years (older group), so that age-appropriate activities can be offered in line with each stage of development.
What are the backgrounds of the children?
Many of our children come from families affected by the following challenges:
- Labour migration of parents (children remain with grandparents/relatives)
- Poverty and material hardship
- Learning difficulties and lack of daily structure
- Family stress, psychological strain, and substance misuse in the environment
- Violence, neglect, or an elevated risk thereof
- Multiple burdens (e.g. poverty, absence of parents, and school difficulties)
How are acute emergency situations involving children handled?
In the event of an emergency, the educators intervene immediately and first ensure the safety of the children. Child protection measures are then initiated and, without delay, the centre’s management, the parents or guardians, and the relevant authorities are informed. (/download-child-protection-guidelines)
TRANSPARENCY & CHILD PROTECTION
What child protection measures are in place?
- A written child protection policy in line with international standards, and a code of conduct applicable to all who work for or on behalf of Kinderland
- Mandatory ongoing training and educational supervision
- Regulated and anonymous reporting channels
- Secure documentation and data protection
- Mandatory background checks and references before hiring staff
How does Kinderland protect children from violence and abuse?
We take a comprehensive approach:
- Zero tolerance for violence and abuse, clear mandatory reporting, and immediate protective measures
- Close and transparent collaboration with supervisory authorities and law enforcement
- Regular audits/reviews (including by external parties) of the entire organisation
- Independent external investigation in the event of serious allegations
- Transparency principle: donors are promptly informed once facts are established and child protection/data protection permits this
DONATIONS & FINANCES
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to Kinderland are tax-deductible in Austria. The Kinderland Foundation is recognised as a charitable organisation. Your donation is automatically transmitted to the tax authority and taken into account in your employee tax assessment
How can I donate?
You can donate directly via our website or by bank transfer. All details can be found on our ‘Support us‘ page.
Where do the funds come from?
The funds come primarily from donations by private individuals, supporters, and partner organisations. Grants from foundations or public bodies may supplement these. The initial funding comes from the founder who established Kinderland.
How high are the administrative costs?
We aim for a lean and efficient administration that ensures we can achieve the necessary quality in our programmes, document it, and demonstrate it. In the founding year of 2025, administrative costs are naturally higher, as a great deal of preparatory work was required. The pure administrative costs of the programme in Moldova currently stand at under 20%.
How does Kinderland protect itself against corruption?
We work with clear internal guidelines, transparent processes, and careful bookkeeping. A dual-control principle applies to financial decisions. Regular reviews of the partner association’s activities in Moldova by the foundation, and clear lines of responsibility, ensure that donations are used properly and exclusively in the interest of the children. The Kinderland Foundation is audited by an independent external auditor.
Still have questions?
We are happy to answer all your questions about the Kinderland Circle and discuss with you how you can become part of it.
We are happy to answer all your questions about the Kinderland Circle and discuss with you how you can become part of it.