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What is WOW-Day?

Waldorf One World Day, in short WOW-Day, is a day shaped by student commitment. The idea is simple: on one day dedicated people collect donations in different ways and give them to institutions in need. Through creative ideas, such as the auction of self-painted pictures, a charity run or a charity concert, exceptional fundraising activities take place everywhere in the world and connect all participants to each other.

In most countries, Waldorf schools, kindergartens and curative education facilities are not subsidised by the state. As a result, they need financial assistance. On WOW-Day, people dedicate their efforts towards enabling children and teenagers in difficult circumstances to gain access to Waldorf education and towards improving the living and working conditions of people with disabilities.

The proceeds of the fundraising campaign are compiled by the Friends of Waldorf Education and forwarded at 100% to projects in need. The fact that the funds help in a different place somewhere in the world, creates awareness for participants and the public that education and participation in society are not equally accessible for all people.

Since 1994, WOW-Day encourages people around the world to support each other. The idea first came up in a meeting of the European Council for Steiner Waldorf (ECSWE): Astrid Bjönness, former Representative of Norway, talked about "Operasjon Dagswerk", a single day campaign, during which Norwegian high school students raised money for charity. Inspired by the Norwegian idea the WOW-Day campaign developed for Waldorf Schools. As a cooperation partner in Germany, the German Federation of Waldorf schools supports WOW-Day since 2009. Initially the fundraising campaign took place on a pre-specified date. Over the years, the period has been extended, allowing each institution to organise their own fundraising day on a suitable date between 29 September and 29 November. However, it is also possible to choose any other day during the year.

In the past 20 years, WOW-Day has established itself as a fixed event in the Waldorf school movement and gains new and original fundraising ideas every year. For the participants WOW-Day is a special experience. They set an example for a better world and learn that they can help shape society and social circumstances.

WOW-Day 2016

Revenue: 28.469,79 Euro
(Update: 17.10.2016)


WOW-Day 2015
Revenue: 352.048,85 Euro
(Update: 16.09.2016)
>> Thank you letters WOW-Day 2015
>> Summary 2015

WOW-Day Film

Bank Transfer

Freunde der Erziehungskunst
GLS Bank Bochum
IBAN DE09430609670013042015
please quote: keyword "WOW"+ name and location of school


Coordination WOW-Day
Jana-Nita Raker
Ph +49 (0)30 617026 30

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