155 heroines and heroes from Bayreuth: Young people honored for social commitment!

155 heroines and heroes from Bayreuth: Young people honored for social commitment!

There was a celebratory atmosphere in Bayreuth's New Town Hall on July 7, 2025, when 155 students from the region were honored for their tireless commitment as part of the "Voluntary Social School Year - Bayreuth Model". These young people, aged 14 to 18, completed over 9,100 hours of voluntary social work last school year, a significant contribution to strengthening social cohesion in the community. The ceremony took place in the large meeting room, led by Mayor Thomas Ebersberger and District Administrator Florian Wiedemann.

The students come from 16 schools, both in the city and the district of Bayreuth. Her voluntary work ranged from looking after children, seniors and people with disabilities to involvement with the fire department, the food bank and various clubs and churches. In doing so, they demonstrated their social skills and conveyed future-oriented values. What was particularly pleasing was that most of the participants were 16 years old and therefore at the best age to take on social responsibility and gain practical experience. Of the 155 students honored, 27 live in the city of Bayreuth, 81 in the district and 47 in the surrounding area. This diversity shows how important social engagement is in different areas of life.

A model for the boys

The “Voluntary Social School Year” has been successfully carried out at the Voluntary Center Bayreuth for many years. Not only is theory taught, but the young people learn important practical skills and take on responsibility through direct involvement in social institutions or non-profit organizations. The commitment must last at least 50 hours and is free of charge - an approach that promotes a sense of community.

• Mitarbeit in sozialen Einrichtungen, z.B. Schulen und Kindergärten
• Engagement in Vereinen wie der Tafel oder Sportvereinen
• Besuchsdienste und Hausaufgabenbetreuung
• Jugendarbeit und Freizeitgestaltung

This responsibility is not only a challenge, but also a great opportunity to make new friends and develop personal skills. It is all the more impressive that the students from such different social areas were able to benefit.

Commitment with heart

The commitment of the young people was duly recognized at the regular ceremony. The honor was more than just a fancy act; she emphasized the importance of volunteering. The coordinating role of the Voluntary Center Bayreuth ensures that both the students and the placement sites receive optimal support.

The enthusiasm and commitment of the young people show the power of social cohesion and make it clear that working together is fun and brings added value for everyone. “Young people are not only committed to themselves, but also to the well-being of society,” said Mayor Ebersberger at the ceremony.

Overall, it can be said that the “Voluntary Social School Year” is not only a valuable experience for the students, but also for the entire Bayreuth community. Such initiatives are essential to promote cooperation in an increasingly complex world and to sustainably motivate young people to actively take responsibility and get involved.