On January 7, 2025, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier graciously welcomed 20 Sternsinger from the Diocese of Augsburg to his official residence, Schloss Bellevue, as part of the traditional celebration of Epiphany. This visit underscored the continued efforts to advocate for children's rights and provide support to disadvantaged youth around the world through the annual Dreikönigssingen campaign.
Upon their arrival, eight-year-old Amelie knocked on the grand entrance of the Schloss and announced, "Mr. President, the Sternsinger are here." Waiting inside was Steinmeier, who famously remarked, “You can’t hear anything through the thick door.” It was all smiles when he and his wife Elke Büdenbender greeted the children and their leaders from Kempten.
During the visit, President Steinmeier expressed deep appreciation for the children's heartfelt initiative. He stated, "My wife and I feel richly blessed by you. It excites us to know you have your eyes on the people — especially the children — who live under far worse conditions than we do." This sentiment reflects the mission of the Sternsinger, who visit homes to bring blessings and collect donations for children in need.
The group, consisting of 17 girls and 3 boys, also presented Steinmeier with a brightly decorated wooden chair representing children’s rights. This symbolic gift echoes the motto of this year’s campaign, “Raise Your Voice! Sternsing for Children’s Rights,” which emphasizes the importance of ensuring children's rights globally.
Among the young visitors, 11-year-old Veronika demonstrated the spirit of their mission with her recitation of their traditional blessing: "We go from house to house, collecting for children in need. We bring blessings and ask: May Christ bless this house and all who come and go here." The children sang about standing up for the rights of children like Adid, Nio, Sita, and Leon, showcasing the realities many kids face both abroad and within Germany.
Accompanying the Sternsinger were notable figures including Bishop Dr. Bertram Meier and representatives from the Child Mission Work 'Die Sternsinger'. Steinmeier remarked how he has met with Sternsinger delegations seven times during his presidency, continuing the tradition started by his predecessors.
During this visit, the children also accepted donations for projects aimed at supporting disadvantaged children. Especially notable was the health project located in Turkana, Kenya, which directly aligns with their current fundraising goals. Steinmeier, who had visited Turkana several times, said, "This is a region which deserves special support, especially for the children. I am truly delighted and thrilled you have your eye on such projects." His heartfelt support illustrated the government’s commitment to improving conditions for vulnerable children.
Reflecting on the impact of the Dreikönigssingen movement, it has raised approximately 1.36 billion euros since its inception in 1959, funding projects aimed at improving education, healthcare, and nutrition for children across continents including Africa, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, and Eastern Europe. Not only does this campaign raise funds, but it also fosters awareness about the plight of the world’s youth.
Historically, the Sternsinger project convenes young peoples' initiatives to advocate for children's rights, facilitate their fundraising efforts, and bring communities together. With every house they visit, the Sternsinger work to inspire not just generosity, but also awareness about the diverse challenges children face, ensuring their voices are heard.
With this year’s focus on children's rights, the involvement of the President of Germany adds significant weight to the mission, connecting the efforts of local communities to national recognition. Steinmeier concluded by expressing his hope for the current fundraising campaign to yield excellent results, highlighting the necessity of extending help to children worldwide.
This visit is not just another ceremonial event; it's part of a larger effort, demonstrating how deeply interconnected the welfare of children and societal engagement is within such significant initiatives. By championing the cause, both the Sternsinger and President Steinmeier highlight the path forward to ensuring children are not just seen, but heard and supported.