The Forest House as a New Weekend Home

Enrollment at the Steinmühle boarding school has risen significantly. As a result, a regular residential group has been established in the Biohaus, which had previously been used as a weekend cottage.

A solution had to be found for the international students: While German students travel home to their families every 14 days and during school breaks, their international classmates remain in Marburg. But they, too, should be able to enjoy a change of scenery and some free time where they are staying.

To meet this self-imposed standard, the Steinmühle Boarding School decided to rent the Waldhaus, located in the Richtsberg district of Marburg, just a few minutes’ drive from the boarding school. This allows students to continue using the recreational facilities on the boarding school grounds, such as the gym, riding stables, and tennis courts. To facilitate additional on-site activities right at the Waldhaus, a ping-pong table was among the first purchases made. A large garden and the proximity to the edge of the forest give the Waldhaus grounds the feel of a vacation setting.

A Step Toward Self-Employment

At the Waldhaus, the international students prepare their own meals with the support of the teachers. They plan their meals and cook them together. At the start of each weekend, everyone goes shopping together. They usually cook traditional Chinese dishes.

A stay at the Waldhaus can be seen as a step toward independence for the young people. The students who live there on the weekends are 16 years old or older.

Effective September 1, Luisa Völker, who previously served as an assistant in the weekend residential group for international students, has taken over as house director. The previous residence director, Timo Keisers, has left the team after two years to pursue a new career path. Luisa Völker already has extensive experience in working with children and youth groups; she has been an assistant for one year, is familiar with the existing structures, and is looking forward to the challenge.

Our photos show some of the international students during their stay at the Waldhaus, and also capture the preparations for Zhirui Tian’s birthday dinner.