Construction begins on Little Orbiters, the EUMETSAT Childcare Centre
Construction has begun on a 44-place childcare centre at the Darmstadt headquarters of EUMETSAT.
Construction has begun on a 44-place childcare centre at the Darmstadt headquarters of the European meteorological satellite agency, EUMETSAT.
12 October 2022
04 October 2022
The cornerstone of the facility, called “Little Orbiters”, was laid today by Phil Evans, EUMETSAT Director-General, MR Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans Moser, Referatsleiter DK22 for the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, Uwe Becker, Hessian State Secretary for European Affairs, and Wolfram von Rotberg, Stadtrat of the City of Darmstadt.
The centre is expected to open in summer 2023.
“The sight of work beginning will be welcomed by all staff at EUMETSAT, but particularly by those who have young children or who are planning to start a family,” EUMETSAT Director-General Phil Evans said.
“One of this organisation’s strategic objectives is to remain an attractive employer for diverse, skilled, talented and engaged people. This facility will not only help us to achieve that objective but it also reflects our commitment to providing a supportive, inclusive work environment and to contribute to the dynamic community in Darmstadt and Hesse.
“EUMETSAT is very grateful to the German federal and Hessian governments, as well as to the city of Darmstadt for their continuous support on this project. From the acquisition of the land on which this building stands, to ensuring that we obtained the right authorisation: their help has been fundamental.”
EUMETSAT Director of Administration Silvia Castañer said the facility will cater for staff members’ children aged from four months until they are old enough to start primary school.
“This facility will significantly help staff to ease back into work after parental leave, and send a clear message to current and prospective employees that the organisation truly cares about staff members’ challenges in balancing a demanding career with family life,” Castañer said.
“Having a childcare centre on site will further support women to build long-term careers at EUMETSAT, and contribute towards a more gender-balanced pool of talent for the organisation and the region.”
