Strengthening young people’s language skills: 16 heroes for better coexistence!

Strengthening young people’s language skills: 16 heroes for better coexistence!

In Haßfurt, the valuable work of young people who are committed to promoting the language skills of children with a migration or refugee background is being recognized. The language support project of the BRK district association, which has existed for an impressive 15 years, has set itself the goal of supporting students in secondary schools and primary school children in particular. In an atmospheric ceremony, 16 dedicated language guides from the Albrecht Dürer Middle School and the Dr. Auguste Kirchner Secondary School were awarded certificates, as InFranken reports. The event was also an emotional moment as it honored Carina Schwert-Kirchner, who tragically passed away in April. She initiated the project and, as an educator, was passionate about promoting language skills.

The aim of this initiative is clear: to make everyday school life easier for children with language barriers through playful support. As part of the program, young people meet weekly with primary school children and help them with their homework, strengthen their reading comprehension and bring language to life through creative games. Such personal encounters are particularly important in our increasingly digital world, as the event emphasized. The Haßberge Rotary Club has supported the project since the beginning and thus contributes to its success.

Successes of the language support project

But how successful is the project actually? It can look back on an impressive record: a total of 267 language assistants have been trained since it started in 2007/2008. In the last ten years, 180 children have also been helped - an incredible 32,205 hours went into the support work, MainPost informs. The many conversations and creative activities promote trust and enable us to grow together, which is a valuable experience for everyone involved.

• Albrecht-Dürer-Mittelschule Haßfurt:
  • Nina Sturm
  • Linda Scheller
  • Philipp Hauck
  • Jennifer Fritz
  • Waldemar Müller
  • Annika Burger
• Dr.-Auguste-Kirchner-Realschule Haßfurt:
  • Johanna Kandler
  • Kristina Kulschin
  • Lara Engbert
  • Maja Mühlfeld
  • Elias Hochrein
  • Paula Wölfel
  • Sarah Wittsack
  • Sophia Ludwig
• BRK-Mittags- und Ganztagsbetreuung:
  • Chiara Schnitzer
  • Annika Götz
  • Tobias Krines
  • Jana Stapf (Bufdis)
  • Annalena Ehlert
  • Stefanie Kulschin (Vorpraktikanten FA Sozialpädagogik)

Integration through education

The right to education is a fundamental human right in Germany. This applies to all children, regardless of their origin or residence status. Compulsory schooling generally extends from the age of six until completion of lower secondary school and also affects migrant children. They have the same right to education as local children, and Livingquarter emphasizes how important education is for integration. Language support programs play a central role in learning the German language and establishing social contacts.

However, there are numerous challenges: different educational biographies, language barriers and cultural differences often make access to education difficult for migrant children. Special measures offer support, including language support programs and intercultural education, as well as advice from social workers. In order to make the integration process successful in the long term, individual support, qualified teachers and cooperation between schools and social institutions are essential.

Overall, the language support project in Haßfurt shows how successful offers of help for children with a migration and refugee background can be. Thanks to the commitment of the language guides and the support of local initiatives, the foundation is being laid for a livable and integrative future.