Politics, Business & Responsibility

Don’t take your eyes off the glass

News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

Knockout drops at parties or events are a source of fear for parents, teenagers, and even older adults. The idea that strangers might slip substances into your drink when you’re not looking—substances that first make you “drunk” and then render you helpless—is a major cause for concern. But what exactly are knockout drops? How can you recognize them, and how can you protect yourself from them? And what should you do if you do become a victim of a knockout attack?

Question after question—and during a one-and-a-half-hour prevention session at Steinmühle School & Boarding School, the 10th-grade students had two knowledgeable advisors to turn to: Lara Baade and Lucie Lemberg from the association Frauennotruf Marburg e.V.

A Sudden Shift from Euphoria to Helplessness

It’s not just a single substance that can be used as a knockout agent. Around 150 different substances—some of which can be ordered online—are “suitable” for temporarily and deliberately removing specific individuals from their self-determined lives. These are substances—some of which are misused—that do not necessarily stand out visually or in terms of taste when added to a drink. For up to 30 minutes after consuming the drink, the person feels somewhat intoxicated and euphoric. After 20 to 30 minutes, however, the tipping point arrives—and it happens suddenly.

“Then comes the sedative phase,” the speakers report. Those affected are dazed, listless, experience impaired consciousness and a racing heart, and are overcome by vomiting. They are unable to defend themselves against active abuse or mistreatment—including rape—and have no strength. Depending on the substance and the individual’s physical condition, this phase lasts about 6 to 8 hours.

Consumption Simulated Using Special Glasses

“It depends on whether and what you’ve eaten, or whether you may have consumed alcohol beforehand or something similar,” explain the experts, who had the students complete an interactive obstacle course at the end of the field trip. Using special goggles, the activity simulated the effects of having previously consumed dangerous intoxicants—an experience designed to give students a rough idea of what it’s like to be a victim of knockout drops.

At celebrations of all kinds

Incidentally, the place where these insidious activities take place isn’t always a club or a bar. It can be private parties, a fair, or celebrations of all kinds where large groups of people usually gather. And, by the way, it isn’t necessarily a stranger who picks out the victim or victims on such occasions. Sometimes it’s someone from your circle of acquaintances who plans a cruel prank—or worse—in this way.

Contrary to popular belief, while the targets are usually female, they are not always so, and it is not uncommon for them to no longer be teenagers. “Older people can also become victims of knockout drops,” the speakers said.

The prevention session for the 10th-grade students at Steinmühle took place in individual classes or groups. Our photo was taken during the prevention session for the class taught by subject teacher Nicole Hohm.

21. October 2025

Land Grabbing, Fossil Fuels, Monoculture: Exhibition Highlights Global Challenges

Art, Music & Theater, News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

An exhibition is on display in the main building of the Steinmühle through mid-November, highlighting key global challenges and their social, environmental, and legal dimensions.

Among other things, it involves:

• Land Grabbing as a Criminal Offense: The Illegal Appropriation of Land and Its Impact on Local Communities.

• Monoculture: How industrial agriculture is displacing the traditional ways of life of indigenous peoples, as exemplified by the Bender people.

• Fossil Fuels: Global energy demand has doubled, yet 80 % of it still comes from fossil fuels. New record highs are being set every year.

• Legal proceedings against oil companies: Shell plans to withdraw from Nigeria following public protests against oil spills. This raises questions of responsibility and justice.

• Global water crisis: Despite a growing world population, water is becoming increasingly scarce. 2.2 billion people lack reliable access to clean drinking water. A large portion of indirect water consumption occurs in poorer countries, often at the expense of the local population.

• Land use for paper: Germany consumes 230 kg of paper per capita (2023), with 20 percent of its pulp coming from Brazil. The Pataxó Indigenous people are losing their land to pulp cultivation and face repression when they protest.

Ines Vielhaben, a teacher at Steinmühle and the ESD coordinator, borrowed the roll-ups—which can also be incorporated into lessons—from the Motives e.V. association.

5. October 2025

Survey of 2,250 young people: Steinmühle is in the lead

News, Politics, Business & Responsibility, Surveys & Studies

In a survey of 2,250 Marburg students, in which they were asked to evaluate their secondary school based on specific criteria, Steinmühle came out on top: It ranked first in terms of food, media facilities, Wi-Fi, school restrooms, and overall condition.

Investigation Initiated by the Children’s and Youth Parliament

The large-scale study was launched in the summer of 2023 by the Children and Youth Parliament (KiJuPa) of the university city of Marburg. The study was motivated by a desire to answer the question of what young people need and what they hope for in their lives in Marburg.

The young people were surveyed not only on the topic of school and education, but also on topics such as politics and civic engagement, transportation and mobility, leisure, media and digitalization, safety, discrimination, and the future.

With the support of two experts

With support from Philipps University, KiJuPa analyzed the survey results on its own. With Prof. Dr. Ivo Züchner from the Department of Education and Philipp Klingler from the Institute of Political Science, KiJuPa had two experts at its side who guided them through the survey “jungle,” explained complex issues in a clear and understandable way, and gave everyone a crash course in research methodology.

Steinmühlen Principal Praises the School’s Supporting Association

“The outstanding results for Steinmühle give me reason to extend my heartfelt thanks to the School Association on behalf of the school administration team!” commented Steinmühle Principal Björn Gemmer on the survey results. “As the school’s governing body, the School Association provides nearly ideal conditions for our students—far better than the (once) financially strong public school system is able or willing to do,” he said, praising the dedication of School Association Chairman Egon Vaupel, his deputy Gerhard Müller, and Steinmühle Managing Director Dirk Konnertz.

The complete survey section on the topic of school can be viewed here: https://kijupa-marburg.de/wp-content/uploads/Umfrage-Schule.pdf

Angela Heinemann

8. September 2025

“The General University Entrance Qualification has no expiration date”

News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

Career guidance is traditionally a focus for 11th graders at the start of each new school year. Slowly but surely, students should be making their decisions regarding the advanced courses they will choose at the end of the so-called introductory phase to upper secondary school (“E-Phase”). But where should this journey actually lead? Dr. Claudia Röder, who is responsible for internships and career guidance at Steinmühle, invited an expert to speak—especially for students who are still unsure. But the entire grade benefited from the event.

Choosing a career is a process

Elke Seim holds degrees in education and public administration and works as a career counselor at the Federal Employment Agency in Marburg. In her presentation, she not only gave the students food for thought regarding their choice of advanced courses but also offered tips for their future career planning. “It’s about finding your own path; choosing a career is a process,” explained Elke Seim. She emphasized that experience gained through an internship or even vocational training could certainly precede a college degree. “A vocational college entrance qualification or a general college entrance qualification has no expiration date.”

Personalized “Roadmap”

It’s important to honestly answer a few questions for yourself: Where do I want to work? What fields interest me? What am I good at? What do I value in life? This year’s 11th-grade class needs to tailor its own individual roadmap through 2028, the year they’ll graduate from high school. For those aiming to pursue a dual degree program or vocational training immediately after graduating from high school, the report card from the first semester of 12th grade is particularly important.

Using a PowerPoint presentation, Elke Seim outlined in brief points what else plays a role: Choosing from among the many professions and fields of study, the goal of completing the respective degree program with a bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.Sc.) or even a master’s degree (M.A./M.Sc.), and the opportunities that this opens up.

The career counselor is available to answer any questions students may have following the presentation or in the near future (elke.seim@arbeitsagentur.de).

31. August 2025

Sustainability Management—A Promising Addition to a Business Administration Degree

Ecology and Sustainability, News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

How can one combine the unique challenges of sustainability with the popular business administration program?

One person who knows this all too well is Prof. Dr. Julian Conrads. For the past three years, he has been teaching business administration with a focus on sustainability management at the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM). His lecture at the Steinmühle, given at the invitation of Bernd Hülsbeck—a subject teacher and head of the social sciences department at our school—contributed to career guidance and once again fostered exchange with the university.

In Focus: Textile Manufacturing, People, and the Environment

This issue affects everyone, and to have a say in it, all you have to do is look down at yourself: What am I actually wearing? Textile manufacturing around the world is a hot-button issue—one that’s generally well known but often ignored. “Surely expensive brand-name manufacturers don’t tolerate poor working conditions,” many reassure themselves, attributing the environmental impact of the textile industry solely to low-cost producers. — That’s often the case and may be true, but it isn’t necessarily so, as Prof. Conrads knows.

Utilization of all conceivable resources

Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh: Conrads went there in person to see for himself the conditions under which the items we wear are produced and how, for example, backpacks are sewn together. The focus is on the three pillars of sustainability: ecology, economy, and social responsibility. Aware that synthetic materials are petroleum-based and that dyeing—along with cotton cultivation—places an enormous strain on water resources, we can immediately announce another startling fact: With 1.2 billion metric tons of CO2 per year and 6–8 percent of global emissions, the textile industry has a greater impact on our climate than air travel and shipping combined.

In fact, these are all figures you should be aware of. And here are a few more examples: The textile industry consumes 20 percent of the world’s water supply. For every kilogram of clothing produced, about one kilogram of chemicals is used.

A Look at Working Conditions

However, alongside these sobering facts, it is also true that the textile industry is a major global employer. It is estimated that 70 million people—particularly in developing and emerging economies—earn their livelihoods from it. Yet even these figures must be viewed in context, given the often inadequate wages paid to workers—who are mostly women and frequently lack basic rights. It is not only the natural environment that suffers from the production of textiles due to air, water, and soil pollution; human resources—specifically, the labor of workers—are also exploited.

Compliance with core labor standards is part of social responsibility. This includes the elimination of forced labor, fair wages, and reasonable working hours. Independent third-party firms conduct audits to ensure that certain standards are met or maintained. Another important criterion in this context is the elimination of child labor.

Business Statements Send a Message

To ensure that employees—most of whom are women—are aware of their rights, training sessions are offered in the areas of occupational safety and labor law. Complaint hotlines are available if on-site conditions do not appear to comply with the law. To send a clear message, companies issue a business statement in which they commit to adopting a sustainable approach. This also addresses supply chains, the diversity of suppliers, and the highly complex substances to be processed.

Is sustainable business economically viable?

Social responsibility and sustainable business practices entail costs for companies. “Can this even be economically worthwhile anymore?” the speaker asked the group, consisting of 11th-grade students from Steinmühle High School. They had the right answer ready. To ensure this is the case, companies rely on marketing and on building a reputation that resonates with consumers.

Possible Career Paths

The Business Administration (BWL) program in Sustainability Management, leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree, can lead to careers in corporate management, work with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), a career in politics, or starting a business. Prof. Conrads: “It’s an addition to business administration. We’re trying to make sustainability a normal part of business administration.”

Angela Heinemann

18. July 2025

Social engagement matters to society

Collaborations & Partnerships, News, Politics, Business & Responsibility, Social Engagement

With their report cards and several awards for special achievements both inside and outside of school, Steinmühle sent its students off on summer break today. Grades may be important to some. But volunteer work in the social sector is particularly highly valued at Steinmühle. For example, Upper School Director Constanze Oestreicher-Gold had already highlighted the commitment of Elsa Stremme (left) and her two classmates, Leticia Günther (center) and Amelie Laukel, all from the 12th grade, as exemplary. The trio, along with other students from various grade levels, received recognition for their outstanding contributions in the social sector.

Support for Children with Leukemia and Cancer

During a personal conversation, we learned that Elsa, Leticia, and Amelie have been supporting the organization “Parents’ Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer” for years—on a volunteer basis and consistently. Their commitment is quiet and unassuming, focused on children of various ages and their parents, who are often overwhelmed by the situation and, as Elsa Stremme puts it, “grateful for any help.” It’s the presence of these three Steinmühlen students—their willingness to lend a hand at events or read to children, their willingness to listen to questions, their reassuring words, their advice, and their intuition for instinctively sensing who needs help at any given moment and how best to provide it. “We’re here to do whatever we can,” says Elsa Stremme. The three high school students help organize events and workshops, contribute creative ideas, and shop for supplies for barbecues.

“It’s nice to see them doing better”

It would be untrue to claim that the three young women are not deeply moved by the children’s plight. The young people affected by illness at the Parents’ Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer are up to 18 years old or just a little older, and the progression of their illnesses is part of what Elsa, Leticia, and Amelie witness. “We’ve gotten to know the children by now,” they say, “and it’s so wonderful to see them grow their hair back after chemo. To see them feeling better again.”

Families Share Their Fate

The Parents’ Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer is located at Steinweg 34 in Marburg. For many affected children and adolescents—as well as their parents—it serves as a safe haven where they can meet others who share their circumstances. Precisely because they understand how important this is, the association’s members welcome anyone who wants to help. This can mean lending a hand, making monetary donations, or even donating specific items—provided these are arranged in advance. You can contact the parents’ initiative by phone or email; see the website at https://eltkmr.de/.

(Coverage of all awards ceremonies on the last day of school will be included in the yearbook)

3. July 2025

Diving into Real Life Through the 8th-Grade Social Internship

News, Politics, Business & Responsibility, Social Engagement

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.

23. May 2025

This is where Steinmühlen honey is made: well protected near the beehive

Ecology and Sustainability, News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

The fact that the Steinmühle also has bees and offers its own honey was already on display at last fall’s festival. As part of a collaborative project, elementary school students from the Erich Kästner School in Cappel were able to explore the topic in even greater depth. Equipped with beekeeping suits, the girls and boys not only learned details about the bees’ proverbial industriousness but were also able to see for themselves the results of their hard work.

Dr. Sven Freibert teaches math and biology at Steinmühle. With the help of his colleague Niklas Berthold from the Steinmühle bee team, he aimed to introduce the children from the neighboring school to the buzzing little colony on the Steinmühle grounds. Bee expert Dr. Sven Freibert found the students to be very well-informed: “We started by talking a bit about the ecology and life of bees. Since the children had just covered the topic of ‘bees’ in class, we were able to move right into hands-on activities.”

About Worker Bees, Drones, and Queen Cells

We started off with a “dry” specimen—that is, a beehive. “Using it as a model, we discussed the structure—the movable floor with the entrance, the honey chamber, the brood chamber, and the lid—and learned about their individual functions, including the technical terms.”

To get a closer look, five children at a time were then allowed to put on the beekeeping suits—what an exciting experience! Dr. Sven Freibert: “We then took this group over to the ‘inhabited’ hives and observed the bees’ lives up close. We saw worker bees, drones, queen cells with their surrounding area, and honeycombs filled with honey.” Fortunately, according to the Steinmühlen teacher, no child was stung during these observations.

“It was a wonderful day”

The group reported at the end that a honey tasting had actually been planned afterward, but unfortunately could not take place due to time constraints. Maybe there will be a next time? Anna Zwickenpflug, a teacher at the Erich Kästner School, noticed that her students were very enthusiastic about the visit to the Steinmühle and raved, “It was a wonderful day with the bees.”

13. May 2025

The “Appreciation Week” was held at the Steinmühle boarding school for the third year in a row

Life at Boarding School, News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

Appreciation Week took place for the third time this year. Each day featured various challenges centered on the theme of appreciation: “Give someone a hug,” “Pay someone a compliment,” “Smile at someone,” and much more. Throughout the week, small treats or kind messages can also be placed in a mailbox for all boarding school residents. Affirmations are also posted in various locations.

“The week has now become an integral part of the year, and we hope that it will continue to be just as wonderful in the years to come,” explain boarding school educators Ben Zriki and Michel Hermens, who documented Appreciation Week in words and pictures.

24. March 2025

The Evolution of Social Values: Ethics Classes Interviewed Prof. Hanno Sauer

Collaborations & Partnerships, News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

What defines moral action? How do our social values evolve? Are freedom and personal fulfillment still guaranteed in a changing world? With these and many other questions in mind, the 13th-grade ethics and religion classes at Steinmühle engaged in a fascinating dialogue with Prof. Hanno Sauer, a professor of philosophy at Utrecht University and author of the highly acclaimed book *Moral: The Invention of Good and Evil*.

Prof. Sauer took the time to address all of the students’ questions and clearly demonstrated how philosophy finds answers to pressing social issues. Using humorous examples and vivid imagery, he encouraged the students to think more deeply and made abstract concepts tangible.

Are our achievements at risk?

After a brief introduction to his book, which examines the development of morality from the Stone Age to the present day, he turned his attention to current social debates. There was a particularly intense discussion of how concepts and discourses surrounding “wokeness” have emerged and what challenges they pose in a modern, diverse society. Prof. Sauer emphasized that our society has already made considerable progress: skin color, gender, or sexual orientation should no longer influence career opportunities or social participation. However, he also raised the critical question of whether right-wing populist movements could jeopardize these achievements. Despite potential challenges, he remained optimistic that fundamental moral progress cannot simply be reversed.

A Vision of a Hopeful Future

In closing, Prof. Sauer outlined a hopeful vision for the future: a world grounded in universal moral values and traditions. This outlook elicited a palpable sigh of relief from the audience, and the participants went about their day with new ideas and inspiration.

We are already looking forward to welcoming Prof. Hanno Sauer back to Steinmühle soon, especially following the publication of his new book, *Klasse*, in which he examines social class differences from philosophical and economic perspectives. With words of praise for our school and reminiscences of his own time as a student in Marburg, we brought this enriching morning to a close in the warm early spring sunshine. Dr. Stefanie Stork

7. March 2025