In the 1960s, German missionary Inge Elernkamp witnessed the lack of facilities where working parents could safely leave their children. In response, she founded the Sowha Daycare Center in 1965. During difficult times, Elernkamp personally raised chickens and pigs to provide meals for the children, supplementing the center’s limited resources with support from German benefactors and the church. Today, Sowha Daycare Center stands as one of the leading ministries dedicated to children’s education in Incheon Province, celebrating its 60th anniversary on October 1st.
We give thanks to God that this small seed of love has borne countless fruits over the past 60 years. A 60th anniversary commemorative Mass was offered on October 2 and presided over by Archbishop Thaddeus Cho of the Daegu Archdiocese. Many sisters, parents, benefactors, directors, and teachers from other kindergartens in the diocese attended, making it a truly enriching experience.
Furthermore, we were grateful to see that graduates of Sowha Daycare Center have returned as teachers and have become Sisters of Notre Dame (Sr. Anna Maria, Sr. Maria Fides), demonstrating the continued legacy of the Notre Dame spirit.
The 60th anniversary of Sowha Daycare Center coincided with the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Notre Dame. This celebration was made even more beautiful because it was rooted in a heart that loved the Lord and sought to live and spread that love.
