What does it feel like to depend on someone else’s help? Why is it important to disinfect your hands properly? And what matters when preparing food in a care facility? These and many more questions were explored by pupils of the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule Schwäbisch Hall recently, as part of the school social project “Voll Sozial” on the grounds of Diakoneo Sonnenhof Schwäbisch Hall. The project was run in cooperation between the Landratsamt Schwäbisch Hall (district office), Diakoneo Sonnenhof and the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule. Through workshops, participants were introduced to the topics of inclusion and participation. In addition, the pupils were able to get to know the professions of Heilerziehungspfleger (special needs carer), Heilerziehungsassistent (special needs assistant), Hauswirtschafter (domestic services specialist) and Kaufmann für Büromanagement (office management clerk) through hands-on experience.
Needing care: what does it feel like?
The first workshop, “Kinaesthetics”, was all about movement and care for the young participants. “The pupils were able to try out, among other things, what it feels like to be lifted out of a wheelchair, or to be handed food with a spoon by another person,” says Nicole Reichle, head of a staff unit in the district treasury office of the Landratsamt, who helped organise the event. The next step focused on domestic services. While creating a fruit platter, participants received, among other things, useful tips on why hygiene and a healthy, varied diet are so important. They also learned about the correct technique for hand disinfection – and were able to check straight away under a UV lamp whether they had applied it correctly. In addition, trainees talked about their everyday working lives and answered questions about the course content during and after the workshops.
Last but not least, the pupils had the chance to discover various leisure activities on the grounds, such as archery and Jazzminton. “The school social project ‘Voll Sozial’ goes far beyond simply acquiring knowledge,” emphasises district administrator Gerhard Bauer. “The skills that were passed on to the young participants are an asset for their personal and professional future.” And Patricia Danner, practical instructor at Diakoneo Sonnenhof, adds: “Our concept combines learning with real everyday experience. The participants develop important skills and get to know our facility.”
