Neustadt in focus: Child Protection Association strengthens school social work in Schönwalde!

Neustadt in focus: Child Protection Association strengthens school social work in Schönwalde!

There is exciting news about the Friedrich-Hiller Elementary School in Schönwalde! Since July 1, 2025, the German Child Protection Association Ostholstein officially took over responsibility for school social work at the school. The announcement took place at a ceremonial gathering attended by, among others, Burkhard Busch from the Ostholstein-Mitte office and the school principal Doris Cwiertnia-Jürs. On this occasion, the great expectations and plans for school support for the children became clear.

An important part of this commitment is the provision of a 25-hour week for school social work, which is staffed by Frank Pahl, an experienced child protection worker and educator. This office not only offers students a point of contact in the event of a crisis, but also a wide range of prevention offers. These offers are intended to strengthen the class community, learn how to deal with conflicts and promote a child-friendly use of media.“This is a real benefit for the early childhood development of our children,”says Kerstin Olschowsky from the Child Protection Association.

Commitment from parents and school

School social work will work closely with other institutions, including the youth welfare office and external school support services. Parent work and teacher consultations are also brought into focus. The headmistress sees a clear advantage in improving the school climate and in the targeted support of families.“The future of the children is important to us here,”she emphasizes. The Bungsberg School Association provides financial resources in the mid-five-figure range every year to make this important work possible.

But where is the community? He also has this question Schönwalde School Association picked up. At the last general meeting in March 2025, not only was a new board elected, but the development of projects such as the Circus Quaiser as a “participatory project” was also discussed. This shows that parents want to be actively involved in the school community and that challenges are tackled together.

Support in times of crisis

And for parents who need support: Child protection offers an opportunity for advice even in difficult moments. With a free service number available at 0800 – 20 10 111 information and assistance can be obtained. This number is available Monday to Friday until 11:00 p.m. Even in cases of overwhelmed parents or neglected children, help is guaranteed here!

Overall, it can be seen that a strong network for children and families is being created in Schönwalde. The initiatives of school social work and the Stein school association around the primary school are decisive steps in the right direction to design school not only as a place of learning, but also as a social space for everyone involved.