On 23. 10. 2014
a student group of VHS Aachen visited the children`s home “Maria im Tann” in
Aachen.
This is a catholic institution run by the
‘Jugendhilfe’ (youth aid), a centre offering help to children, teenagers and
families. Currently there are 87 children, teenagers and young adults, all
between 4 and 20 years, of German and foreign origin living there, no matter
their religion, ethnic background. There are 12 living groups.
These individuals are accompanied on their individual
path of life and they are offered help, which they need to shape their life and
future as intensively as possible. The individuals living there can take part
in educational training that is offered within the facilities.There is one
primary school class, one class for boys as of 7th grade and one for
girls as of 7th grade.
The field of duties of the volunteers are among
others:
Sport activities, Private tutoring, Leisure time support
Sport activities, Private tutoring, Leisure time support
Next to this there are a number of companies that
regularly and on a voluntary basis undertake projects with the residents, such
as cooking jam, baking pastries or setting up a football court.
After 1.5 hours of presentation and vivid exchange of
ideas, Mr Rumler, a staff member, showed us the lavish living area, which is
situated next to a forest. As an example he led us through a house where 10
residents currently live and pointed out their jointly constructed football
court.
All of our students were very impressed with a very
interesting morning.