Vier mutige Haller Schülerinnen zeigen EU-Kommissar Nicolas Schmit das Projekt „Brückenbogen“, das ihnen in die Berufswelt helfen soll. Von Monika Everling
The transition from school to work is a major hurdle for many young people, especially those who are handicapped by migration, family problems, social anxiety, learning difficulties or other special circumstances. Nicolas Schmit is convinced that they must not be left alone: “We must not give up on anyone, everyone must be given a chance. And if the first one doesn’t work out, there must be a second and a third chance. We need everyone in Europe!”
Schmit is the EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights. The Luxembourger visited the Johannes-Brenz Community School in Haller Schulzentrum West to see the EU-funded Awo project “Brückenbogen”, which aims to build bridges at the interface between school and work. It offers young people at four schools in Schwäbisch Hall help ranging from reviewing application documents for internships to psychological support: at the Johannes-Brenz Gemeinschaftsschule, the Realschule and the Gemeinschaftsschule Schenkensee as well as the Friedensbergschule.
The project aims to prevent young people from dropping out of school in frustration, improve their training skills and boost their self-esteem. Project manager Eva Beyerhaus from the Awo is convinced that this can protect young people from poverty and exclusion in the long term: “I can share my joy with you!”
The Haller Awo invited the EU Commissioner as part of the preparations for its centenary celebrations. Four courageous schoolgirls went to great lengths to show what the project means to them. They made a video in which they give an insight into their personal situation, explain why they are taking part in the project and also mention their first successes. “I’m very shy,” says one of them, and the guests experience this first-hand: when she is asked to say something in front of the audience, she hides her face. Psychological support can help a lot before a job interview.
Another student explains in the video: “I have a lot of problems at home, stress and pressure. Ms. Belle always listens to me, I can tell her everything, she has no prejudices.” Sonja Belle has been a social worker at the school since the beginning of the year. Anil Öztürk, class teacher of an 8th grade class, confirms: “The pupils love the project.” Nadja Grau, speaking on behalf of head teacher Andrea Fürle, who is ill, says: “It starts where we teachers can’t get any further.”
The “Brückenbogen” has taken the students on internships, and one of them has even found her dream job: “I want to be an architect.” That is a lofty goal that is worth the effort. For one student, the internship resulted in a vacation job. Unfortunately, this does not solve all the problems: “Our family urgently needs an apartment,” says one young woman. That is her greatest wish. And the project managers hope that the funding for the aid will remain secure beyond the project period, which runs until the end of 2024. Schmit is certainly open-minded. “We all had problems as young people,” he recalls.
Source: Haller Tagblatt
