We meet Kathrin Römermann on July 20 in front of the Levana School Ahrweiler, which she took over in the summer 2020. The flood was over a year ago, but there is still no sign of reconstrution. Ms. Römermann shows us the school through the construction fence - classromms, assembly hall, swimming pool. 

In the past, the school was a place of community, but today no one learns here anymore. The 100 students and 60  teachers have been housed in two Neuwied schoole since their school was destroyed.

Nethertheless, the principal has not lost hope and positive energy. She tells us about the night of the flood: Until late in the evening, she, the then principal and some teachers, parents and cleaners had tried to secure the school from the announced flood. When the warnings finally exceeded all previously known levels, they had no choice but to leave the school and bring themselves to safety. Upon their return two days later, the extent of the damage became apparent. The barrier-free, ground-level school building was more than two meters under water, and there was nothing left of the learning materials and furnishings. Instead, mud and garbage everywhere.

How did Mrs. Römermann manage to believe in the continued existence of her school at the sight of such destruction? Despite the power of the water, two symbols of hope remained at Levana School, she recounts. The school logos had not been swept away by the flood. To give all the children a chance to come to terms with what had happened in their own way, a room of mourning and a room of hope were set up.

For a year now, she has been taking care of keeping the school running and offering the school community a perspective for a common future. It is still unclear what will happen to the destroyed school building. But even without the school building, the community spirit of the Levana School remains strong. In winter, the school will finally return to Ahrweiler. In a container school, all students can learn together again. The principal is most looking forward to the festivities that they can all celebrate together again. If everything goes well, already the Christmas celebration.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the invitation to the Levana School and are happy to be able to support the school community with 464,49€ from our charity run. All the best for the future!

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