Vechta launches Balu and You”: opportunities for children and students!

Vechta launches Balu and You”: opportunities for children and students!

The project “Balu and You” at the University of Vechta goes to the next round. The aim of the program is to support primary school children, especially those with a migration background. The approach focuses on breaking down language barriers and providing support with family challenges. The focus is also on equal opportunities and social participation for children.

The project combines theory with practice by giving students the opportunity to work intensively with individual children. The seminar “pbb023.1 – Balu and You, Part 1” is offered in the summer semester and places are still available. If the number of participants is too low, a waiting list will be set up. Study coordinator Volker Hülsmann from the Caritas Social Works emphasizes that trust is a big challenge, especially for children with language difficulties.

Successful developments

The first successes show the positive developments among the children. Ibrahim, eight years old, has significantly improved his German skills and his self-confidence. The same applies to Eldi, nine years old, whose willingness to communicate has increased. For students, the project not only offers practical experience, but also the opportunity to develop skills such as sensitivity, patience and time management.

The website of “Balu und Du” is at balu-und-du.de to find. Anyone interested in taking part in the project can contact Volker Hülsmann directly. The contact details include the email address huelsmann@caritas-socialwerk.de and the telephone numbers 04441 8707-636 and 0151 62827807.

Funding opportunities for similar projects

Projects like “Balu und Du” benefit from funding from various foundations that focus on education, social integration and equal opportunities. An overview of five relevant foundations can be found at foerdermittel-wissenswert.de. These foundations offer financial support to non-profit organizations that want to implement projects for children and young people.

The funding options include the Swiss Life Foundation for Wealth of Opportunities, the Goldbeck Foundation, and the RWE Foundation, which started with start-up capital of 125 million euros. Applications can often be submitted at any time, allowing organizations to specifically address their needs.

In the context of initiatives for children, it is clear that institutions such as the University of Vechta specifically help to establish a connection between theory and practical application through programs such as “Balu und Du”. This is particularly valuable for future professionals, who will be well acquainted with the challenges of social work.