On Sunday, November 3, 2024, ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ project was hosted at the Bremen Prison gymnasium (in the north of Germany) for the second time, offering imprisoned fathers an opportunity to connect with their children in a meaningful, interactive way. The GWMD in Bremen prison has been conceived planned and organised in recent months, this final event included, by Hoppenbank e.V., one of COPE members working in Germany.
Children reunited with their fathers
During this second event at Bremen Prison, six fathers were reunited with their children for a day full of games and sports. The ten children, ranging from ages one to seventeen, were accompanied by their mothers or grandmothers, creating a space for family interaction, as they too participated in games and activities.
A highlight for both children and fathers was the prison’s climbing wall. Fathers held their children for safety or provided verbal encouragement to help them reach new heights. This simple act of support allowed the children to push their boundaries while feeling the reassurance of their father’s presence.
Additionally, families participated in a variety of mixed-group sports, including badminton, where they played against or alongside one another in teams. There were father-child teams, mother-child teams, and even family teams that went head-to-head with each other or prison staff. These sports were not only a fun activity, but also a way to build teamwork within the family dynamic.
“I want to say thank you again from all of us. It was really great today, from the food to the medals. Great atmosphere and well organised. Today was so important for all of us.”
— imprisoned father
(Ich will von uns allen nochmal Danke sagen. Das war heute richtig toll. Vom Essen bis hin zu den Medaillien. Tolle Atmosphäre, gut organisiert. So wichtig für alle von uns)
What is ‘Game with Mum & Dad’?
GWMD is a global initiative led by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE), designed to provide children with an opportunity to spend quality time with their imprisoned parents on prison grounds, strengthening family ties. The campaign follows the model pioneered and developed by COPE member Bambinisenzasbarre. It’s more than just a fun day—these events aim to nurture the all-important emotional connection between parents and their children, a bond that often struggles to flourish in prison settings.
The importance of maintaining and fostering family bonds during imprisonment cannot be overstated. For children, having the opportunity to spend quality time with a parent who is in prison is an invaluable experience. This not only creates lasting memories but also reinforces the child’s sense of security and love, crucial for their development.
Child drawing after GWMD
GWMD includes every sport or game
The event in Bremen also included several more engaging and adventurous activities, such as a parkour course designed with benches, mats, jump rings and a tube to crawl through.
For those who needed a more relaxed activity, there were also spaces for painting, reading aloud and playing board games. These activities provided moments of calm and connection that allowed families to bond in a more private and intimate setting. After the games, a buffet with sandwiches, muffins, vegetable sticks and fruit was offered.
We weren’t able to talk so well or so much for a long time. It wasn’t like the usual visits: this day was much nicer and more fun! — child, 14 years old
(Aber wir haben uns trotzdem schon lange nicht mehr so gut und viel unterhalten können. Es war nicht so wie sonst die Besuche, es war viel schöner, spaßiger.)
Looking ahead
As the second edition of the ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ project in Germany proved, these initiatives can have an incredibly positive impact on the child-parent bond.
GWMD will return in Germany for two additional dates, on December 15 and on January 26 — stay tuned!
In the meantime, read more about the previous games here.
Hoppenbank e.V. is a recognised association operating in free assistance to support former prisoners, those imprisoned and those at risk of imprisonment in finding a job and reintegrating into society. Their work is grounded in the values of a humane, democratic and solidarity-driven society. They stand for a society in which cultural differences are respected, economical and social disadvantages are reduced and equal opportunities for all are encouraged.
