Understanding School in Germany

Thanks
This book has been made possible through funding from the European Social Fund
(ESF), the Behörde für Arbeit, Soziales, Familie und Integration (BASFI) (the Authority
for Employment, Family and Integration), the Behörde für Schule und Berufsbildung
(BSB) (The Authority for School and Vocational Training) and the Behörde
für Stadtentwicklung und Wohnen (BSW) (the Authority for Urban Development
and Housing) for the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Our colleagues and cooperation
partners have provided subject matter support. We would also like to express
a special thank you to the Deloitte and Kutscheit Foundations for their special award
„Sprachförderung“ (learning and improving language skills) within the context of
the Hidden Movers Award 2012. The prize money from the award allowed us to
publish the first edition. Furthermore, this book would be unconceivable without the
tireless and longstanding involvement of so many parent facilitators.
In 2014, Hamburg launched the cooperation project, „School Mentors – Hand in
Hand for Strong Schools“, which KWB is carrying out with the Authority for School
and Vocational Training. Currently, there are 33 schools in Hamburg, which are in
difficult circumstances being advised and assisted in setting up a mentoring system.
There are three types of school mentors that are qualified and used: parent mentors
take on responsibilities within the scope of parental work in schools and pupil mentors
and external volunteers work directly with select pupils.
The project receives financing from European Social Fund (ESF) through the Authority
for Employment, Family and Integration (BASFI) and support from the Authority
for School and Vocational Training (BSB) and the Authority for Urban Development
and Housing (BSW).
Education is a essential for a successful life of self-determination. Educational topics
within neighbourhoods are of central importance particularly in the Integrated
Urban Development Framework Programme. Through special measures, the project
aims to promote educational success in schools at select locations as well as
assistance in starting a career, especially for young people with a migrant background.
The 33 select schools are located in specified neighbourhood catchment
areas for integrated urban district development such as Wilhelmsburg, Veddel,
Billstedt/Horn, Steilshoop, Hohenhorst, Osdorfer Born, Neuallermöhe, Phoe nix-
Viertel, and Neuwiedenthal.
The project will sustainably strengthen schools in difficult situations and help them
to improve pupils’ learning success. As part of the project, parents, as school mentors,
inform, advise, and support other parents in developing their children’s learning profile
and preparing them for a scholastic transition (primary school/secondary school)
or for the transition from school to professional life.
Pupils, as mentors, support their classmates by assuming responsibilities for the
development of the educational environment at school. Scholastically, they are incorporated
as bridge builders and advisors for pupils and teachers.
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