What began as a traditional folk festival has long since become a social project close to the organisers' hearts: the organisers of the Frankfurt Oktoberfest have opened their second school in the Dominican Republic. In San Cristóbal, about 30 kilometres west of the capital Santo Domingo, the new school complex was officially handed over for its intended purpose.
Education as a way out of poverty
Within 18 months, a primary school with three classrooms and two toilets was built in the poor mountain village, which will accommodate around 100 children in future. Around 100,000 US dollars were invested in the project, which was financed by donations from visitors to the Frankfurt Oktoberfest and with the support of the Reiner Meutsch Foundation FLY & HELP and "RTL – Wir helfen Kindern" (RTL – We Help Children).
"It's always moving for us to see what the donations from the people of Frankfurt achieve," say the four initiators who launched the charity project a few years ago.
Emotions across continents
Not everyone was able to be there for the opening. "Unfortunately, my brother Patrick and I were unable to travel with our partner Kai again this year, but according to his reports, we did everything right," said Dennis. "We are very happy that our donations are being put to good use." Patrick added: "In the pictures Kai sends us to keep us up to date, we can see both the hardship and the joy in the children's eyes. These emotions confirm our commitment." Joel, the youngest of the four Oktoberfest organisers, was also deeply moved: "I couldn't be there this year either, but pictures sometimes say more than words. Education is the most important thing in the world!" Partner Kai, who attended the opening on site, expressed his special thanks to the supporters: "My special thanks go to our partners FLY & HELP and RTL – We help children who support this idea."
Twice as much space for learning
The new school replaces an outdated state facility with only two classrooms, which previously accommodated around 60 children. Expansion was not possible there. "Now almost twice as many children can learn – in a modern, safe and bright environment," explained Kai Mann.
From folk festival to educational initiative
The Frankfurt Oktoberfest organisers opened their first school in Punta Cana back in 2023. The principle remains the same: a portion of every Oktoberfest ticket sold goes towards the construction of further educational facilities.
