„We need everyone in Europe“„We need everyone in Europe“

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Four brave pupils from Schwäbisch Hall show EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit the “Brückenbogen” project, which is meant to help them enter the world of work. By Monika Everling

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The transition from school to work is a major hurdle for many young people, especially for those who are held back by migration, family problems, social anxieties, learning difficulties or other special circumstances. These young people must not be left on their own, is Nicolas Schmit convinced: “We must not give up on anyone, everyone must get their chance. And if it doesn’t work the first time, there must be a second and a third chance. We need all people in Europe!”

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Schmit is EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights. The Luxembourger had the EU-funded Awo project “Brückenbogen” shown to him at the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule in the Schulzentrum West in Schwäbisch Hall. The project aims to build bridges precisely at the interface between school and work. In Schwäbisch Hall it offers young people at four schools help ranging from checking application documents for work placements to psychological support: at the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule, at the Realschule, at the Gemeinschaftsschule Schenkensee and at the Friedensbergschule.

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The project aims to prevent young people from giving up on school in frustration, to improve their employability and to strengthen their self-esteem. In this way, young people can be permanently protected from poverty and exclusion, is project manager Eva Beyerhaus from Awo convinced: “I’d love to take you along into my joy!”

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The Awo in Schwäbisch Hall invited the EU Commissioner in preparation for its 100th anniversary celebration. Four brave pupils put a great deal of effort into showing what the project means to them. They made a video in which they give insights into their personal situations, explain their reasons for taking part in the project and already name first successes. “I’m very shy,” says one of them, and the guests experience this live straight away: when she is supposed to say something in front of the audience, she hides her face. This is where psychological support before a job interview can really help.

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Another pupil explains in the video: “I have many problems at home, stress and pressure. Frau Belle always listens to me, I can tell her everything, and she has no prejudices.” Sonja Belle has been the school’s social worker since the beginning of the year. Anil Öztürk, form teacher of an 8th class, affirms: “The pupils love the project.” Nadja Grau, who is speaking on behalf of the headteacher Andrea Fürle, who is ill, says: “It starts where we teachers can’t get any further.”

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The “Brückenbogen” has brought the pupils into work placements, and one of them has even found her dream job: “I want to become an architect.” That is a high goal, and it is worth the effort. For one pupil, a summer job has come out of her work placement. Unfortunately, this does not solve all problems: “Our family urgently needs a flat,” says one young woman. That is her greatest wish. The project managers also hope that funding for this support will remain secured beyond the project period, which runs until the end of 2024. Schmit, at any rate, is open to this. “We all had problems as young people,” he recalls.

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Source: Haller Tagblatt

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