Diving into Real Life Through the 8th-Grade Social Internship
Out of the school environment and into the real world: Through the Steinmühle social internship program, 8th-grade students regularly gain insights into various fields. The students always come away with a wealth of experience from their work at the internship sites of their choice, reports subject teacher Dr. Claudia Röder.
Insight into the Asylum Granting Process
Fabian Preis visited the Marburg District Job Center. There, he gained insight into initial interviews during which people in need apply for financial assistance, and he attended on-site visits where decisions were made regarding the granting of benefits in kind. Fabian also received an overview of the asylum process and the “Team for you” program. There, discussions take place about new opportunities, such as vocational training, job application coaching, and language courses. The student also gained insight into the placement of foster families and established contact with the Family Council, which determines what support families receive.
At the meeting place for war veterans
Toby Miller was drawn to the other side of the globe for a social internship. He was in Adelaide, Australia, at Willo’s Men’s Shed, a gathering place for war veterans. The program, which is government-funded, aims to support men’s mental health. Older men gather here to combat loneliness and find a sense of purpose.
Upon request, the group undertakes woodworking and blacksmithing projects, which are then donated to places like kindergartens—for example, climbing frames and treehouses—and occasionally music projects as well. Participation is voluntary. Sometimes it’s just a place to eat, drink, and talk.
Toby would love to see something like this in Germany, too, so that older people have a place to go.
Help Through the “Medium of the Horse”
Jana Nolte attended a therapeutic riding session at the St. Elisabeth Association. There, people with disabilities receive support through the use of horses.
The disabilities can vary widely, e.g., eating disorders, behavioral disorders, ADHD.
The horse acts as a “mirror” for the body. It helps the children relax because they feel free. Horses build self-confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork skills. Jana noticed that many children arrived looking sad, but all of them dismounted the horse looking happy.
Jana reflected that her social skills have improved. She has learned that she needs to reach out to children in order to help them.
More peace and serenity in the forest
Anni Deucker completed her social internship at the Stadtwald preschool. There are many children from diverse backgrounds there, and it’s a very multicultural environment.
They played lots of language games and sang a lot to help strengthen the children’s language skills.
The days consisted of breakfast together, morning circle, library visits, gym class, arts and crafts, and baking.
There were also forest projects, and during these, it was clear that the children were much calmer and more balanced and argued less.
During her internship, Anni learned patience.
