Elfriede-Hengstenberg-Platz: A monument to courage and creativity in Zehlendorf

Elfriede-Hengstenberg-Platz: A monument to courage and creativity in Zehlendorf

On September 12, 2025, a previously nameless square in Zehlendorf was officially renamed Elfriede-Hengstenberg-Platz. The new designation was installed between Sven-Hedin-Straße, Forststraße and Fürstenstraße, like berlin.de reported. The initiative to name the square came from civil society, and the proposal was unanimously approved by the district council on May 14, 2025.

The opening ceremony for the naming of the square was well attended and took place with musical accompaniment. Numerous citizens, political representatives and companions of Elfriede Hengstenberg were present. District councilor Urban Aykal unveiled the new street sign together with Dirk Jordan, the former public education councilor in Kreuzberg and initiator of the naming of the square.

Elfriede Hengstenberg and her pedagogical approach

Elfriede Hengstenberg, born in 1892, lived and worked in Zehlendorf as a teacher. She is known for her innovative approach to movement, which is based on children's natural urge to move. Hengstenberg used simple materials such as sticks and boards to promote physical awareness and mental development in children. Their methods continue to shape movement and perception pedagogy today gazette-berlin.de.

At a time when others had to abandon their principles, Hengstenberg stuck to her values ​​during Nazism and helped persecuted families, including Jewish people, escape Germany. Her commitment to courage and humanity can also be seen in her pedagogical methods.

Importance of promoting exercise

The relevance of promoting physical activity in early childhood education is also covered in the expertise of Ina Hunger, who deals with the potential of physical activity in daycare centers. This study, published by the German Youth Institute, highlights the effects of physical activity promotion on the physical, mental and social health of children. The findings confirm the historical importance of personalities such as Elfriede Hengstenberg for the development of movement education, which is a central component of today's early childhood pedagogy. More information on this can be found in the expertise below pedocs.de to find.

The naming of the Elfriede-Hengstenberg-Platz not only represents an honorable recognition of her life's achievements, but also reminds us of the ongoing importance of movement education and promotion for the well-being and development of children.