"Durchstarter" - Opportunity for a new start in school and career receives funding

The "Durchstarter" project of the Berufsförderungswerk des Handwerks in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district has been running for seven years. The project is funded by the Hessian Ministry of Social Affairs and the European Union/European Social Fund as well as by the Job Centre and the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. The "Chance zum schulischen und beruflichen Neustart" ("Opportunity for a new start at school and in the world of work") has now received a funding notification for 27,600 euros, handed over by District Administrator Dr. Reinhard Kubat to Chief Executive of the District Guild of Skilled Crafts Gerhard Brühl.

"Durchstarter" is aimed at young people from 16 to 26 years of age who want to learn practical vocational basics or want to catch up on their secondary school leaving certificate; 10 years of school attendance is the prerequisite for catching up on the secondary school leaving certificate. The starting date is flexible; interested persons have the option of participating in the project for up to 24 months. An introductory and orientation phase is followed by basic education weeks, supplemented by deepening and specialisation as well as a four-week internship in a company.

The aim of "Durchstarter" is for participants to recognise their strengths, discover talents and use them for their life's journey. District Administrator Dr. Kubat praised the project: "Here, disadvantaged young people receive support that they would not get anywhere else. If the conditions in their personal environment are not optimal, some young people do not succeed in school. In this case, "Durchstarter" offers urgently needed support.

Managing Director Brühl confirmed the objective: "We want to take care of those who need help on their way into working life and be there for them. With the district administration, the district crafts association has a good partner with the same interests. Particularly pleasing is the fact that three refugees are also taking part in the programme. Both this year and next year, 13 places are available in the "Durchstarter" programme, and most of the participants are aiming for a secondary school leaving certificate.

Pointing out opportunities, breaking down barriers, supporting young people - "Durchstarter" offers a contact point for young people from the entire district, especially during the difficult pandemic period. The participants enjoy the dovetailing of theory and practice, as numerous feedbacks confirm, they experience a new appreciation, broaden their horizons, strengthen their self-confidence. In this way, they are accompanied on a new, promising path in life, which would not have been possible without "Durchstarter".