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

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

On September 12, 2025, a previously nameless green area in Zehlendorf was officially renamed Elfriede Hengstenberg-Platz. The place that is located between Sven-Hedin-Straße, Forststraße and Fürstenstraße was the scene of a well-attended celebration that was musically framed. Numerous citizens, political representatives and companions from Elfriede Hengstenberg took part in the event. District Councilor Urban Aykal unveiled the new street sign together with Dirk Jordan, the former People's Education City Councilor in Kreuzberg and initiator of the name.

The initiative for the name came from civil society and was unanimously decided on May 14, 2025 by the district council (BVV). Urban Aykal paid tribute to Hengstenberg and emphasized its importance for courage, humanity and pedagogical innovative strength. Elfriede Hengstenberg lived from 1892 to 1992 and was particularly known for her innovative movement during her career in Zehlendorf.

An innovative approach in movement education

Hengstenberg developed creative methods to promote body awareness and intellectual development of children. Her way of working was based on the natural urge to move of the children, using simple materials such as rods and boards. These approaches are an essential part of movement and perception pedagogy, which still shapes many educational institutions. According to reports, their influence on early childhood education and movement promotion in day care centers is considered extremely valuable, especially with regard to the physical, psychological and social health of children.

Despite the difficult circumstances during National Socialism, Hengstenberg held on to her principles. She did not adapt her work to the prevailing ideology and helped families, especially Jews, helped escape from Germany. Their brave commitment testifies to deep humanity and a strong commitment to the well -being of the weaker.

The ceremony celebration was not only a tribute to an extraordinary personality, but also a sign of recognizing the value of education, movement and humanitarian attitude in today's society. The name of the Elfriede Hengstenberg-Platz thus creates an important step in the appreciation of services that extend far beyond your own time.

For interested readers, Ina Hunger's expertise, which deals with the potential of movement in the context of early childhood education, offers valuable information on the positive effects of promotion of movement on the development of children. The monograph illuminates various aspects of movement and perception pedagogy and is viewed by experts as a significant resource in order to better understand the influence of movement on child development ( Pedocs.de ).

With the name of the new place, the legacy of Elfriede Hengstenberg is kept alive and the awareness of the importance of innovative educational approaches in society is strengthened. How berlin.de as well as gazette-berlin.de Reporting, the name is a valuable recognition for the achievements in pedagogy and is reminiscent of the need to put education in the service of humanity.