Education Minister Schwarz visits family class in Wetzlar: Hope for parents and children!

Education Minister Schwarz visits family class in Wetzlar: Hope for parents and children!

There is a sensible initiative in Hesse that helps children and their families in difficult life situations. Education Minister Schwarz recently visited one of the 45 so-called family classes at the Dahlheimschule in Wetzlar. An innovative combination of school support and youth welfare is created here, which not only benefits the children but also the parents. Young people's school careers are often anything but smooth - especially when family difficulties and uncertain living conditions are added. Therefore, the concept of family classes aims to support students and their parents in challenging situations.

During his visit, Minister Schwarz emphasized the importance of this initiative. The family class in Wetzlar cooperates closely with the Dahlheimschule, a regional advice and support center and the Albert Schweitzer Children's Village Hesse. The Lahn-Dill district and the city of Wetzlar are also involved as partners. A common path is taken here to make everyday school life easier for children with challenging behavior.

A unique concept for families

Once a week, parents and guardians spend a school day in the family class. You are accompanied by a teacher and a multi-family trainer who moderates the exchange and support within the group. Parents and children are recognized as “experts” in their own situation, which benefits their self-confidence and abilities. Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom, but also through shared activities and games.

The goal is clear: the children should learn to cope better with their everyday school life. The family class provides an individual learning plan for each child, which is drawn up by the responsible teacher. In addition, the parenting skills of the parents are strengthened and the relationship between parents and child is improved. Participation in the family class is planned for three to six months, while the students attend their regular classes on the remaining days.

Strengthening the community

The concept of family classes goes far beyond the purely school-based approach. It promotes communication within the family and enables parents to exchange ideas with each other, which is very helpful in overcoming their challenges. This also strengthens educational equality in the region, as all children receive the same opportunity for support - regardless of their family background. In this way, the family classes create a strong network based on cooperation and mutual help.

The initiative is not an isolated case. Other cities in Hesse, such as Stadtallendorf, have also set up family classes that work actively in collaboration with schools, youth welfare services and specialists to develop children's social skills and overcome school challenges. It is a step in the right direction to promote equal opportunities for all students and give them the support they need to learn successfully. The bsj Marburg also reports on similar projects in the region, which highlight the important role of school social work in this context.

School social work plays a crucial role in supporting children and young people. In order to provide them with the best possible support, qualified specialists are needed who act as neutral contacts and offer important tools to promote social skills. The need for such offerings has increased significantly recently, which is further fueling the discussion about increased school social work. The pandemic has exacerbated the situation of many children, further highlighting the need for solid support.

In summary, it can be said that family classes in Hesse provide a valuable answer to social challenges. They not only offer scholastic support, but also a holistic support offer for families that is based on exchange and cooperation. It remains to be hoped that such initiatives can continue to grow and support so that every child has the chance for a successful school career.