How long have you been working at the taZ boarding house and in which positions?
I have been working at the taZ boarding house for 5 ยฝ years, as a social pedagogue, then as a social pedagogue and practical trainer, finally as a social pedagogue and deputy to Mario Bommer about three years ago - and now as head of the boarding house since January 2024.
What does it mean to you personally to be heading the boarding house?
I am delighted to be able to continue to serve the boarding house and the young people who live there from a different role, but with the same joy and motivation. My aim is to provide a lively and secure home for the young people; with a keen interest in their well-being and their right to have a say in everyday life. Our team strives to provide care based on mutual listening and understanding.
What tasks / focal points do you see as a priority?
I will continue to familiarize myself with the new tasks in order to integrate new and upcoming goals. We are very well positioned. My current goal is for everyone involved, i.e. young people, parents and school staff, to integrate this transition in connection with my change of role.
What will certainly keep me busy in the new school year is drawing up a protection concept in cooperation with the boarding house team, and generally focusing on professional support in order to continue to professionally advance the social-educational work.
What is your best moment of the day at the boarding house?
There are many. Most of them are enjoyable and enriching interactions, whether with the young people or with staff. The annual summer party, which is attended by all residents and staff, is always a highlight for me. At such events, I can see how much trust has developed among our students, but also between the staff and the young people. It's incredibly wonderful to see!
In 5 ยฝ years, I've never left the boarding house with negative feelings. I usually finish my work with a satisfied feeling and am happy about the good working day and the sometimes small but very valuable encounters with the people at the boarding house, which allow me to keep on learning.
How does the 5-day week affect everyday life at the boarding house - what new opportunities does it open up for you as a team and for the students at the weekend?
Despite initial skepticism on the part of young people, I think the additional free time is now very much appreciated. Those, who still want to do additional individual training, continue to do so and that is of course ok. The support team at the boarding house can now offer activities on a Saturday more often than before, e.g. making jewelry, baking, painting together or playing a game. Such shared experiences enable the young people to get to know each other better. Such activities create experiences - and experiences create relationships. Of course, many of the young people also like to spend their free Saturday outside, especially when the weather is nice.