A jam packed week and we are only half way through... I am so inspired.
Learning about the German school system and understanding how to make a targeted youth project successful is amazing. what an opportunity!!!!
Okay, so we know that Germans don't exclude as a rule, or at least not in Berlin (except in extreme cases where it is detrimental to the safety or protection of others, and even the it is not permanent). So how does their system work? how do they enforce discipline? and what measures are put in place to ensure that the needs of the school children are met?
The first thing i understand is that in Germany it is virtually impossible to get a job without qualifications of some sort. so for this reason education is vital to survival in this country.
Secondly practical and life experience are very important and so vocational training and access to work-placements is supported and appears to be the main focus of many of the projects we have visited in Germany.
Thirdly there is an understanding of the cost that unqualified people cost society in the long run, and so early intervention is seen as a key way to ensure that people are qualified and or able to contribute to the economy.
The people here are very friendly and willing to answer questions and offer support.
I have seen a lot of scope for the development of the projects and organisations I run and work for based on some of the concepts I have seen here, such as social workers on site in schools and projects, and creating more opportunities for vocational training. I can also see how much great work is also already being done in the UK. I see how blessed I am to work in London with such diversity, where cultural difference is acknowledged and provisions are put in place to support those from different ethnic backgrounds. For example having staff that is culturally representative of its client group. Staff are key to the success of projects and being privileged enough to take part in this exchange I realise that both the UK and German projects are only able to deliver such great services because they have such great staff who are passionate, dedicated and able to understand and relate to the young people they work on behalf of.
I see now to make an impact it is important to think bigger. Small changes lead to big ones and for improvements to be made its time to think about the HUGE changes that i want to see and doing the little things that will make them happen.
