Traveling without suitcases: Careleavers get new opportunities in Potsdam!

Traveling without suitcases: Careleavers get new opportunities in Potsdam!

Last Monday, workshops on travel education and integration assistance took place in Cologne, highlighting a groundbreaking concept for young people coming out of the care system. Employees of the AWO Careleaver Center (CALZ) took part in the event and presented their valuable work. It was discussed how the CALZ organizes the transition for “care leavers”, i.e. teenagers and young adults who are leaving the care system behind them. This group often has no family support and faces the challenge of living independently.

The CALZ offers guidance and support that is often lacking in traditional facilities. The workshops were an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss approaches aimed at giving young people a sense of structure and support. The aim is to help them develop in a stable relationship context that does not replace the family, but provides an important foundation.

Travel projects as support

An exciting part of this approach are the travel projects, which represent a special form of individual stationary measures. As a rule, 1:1 support from qualified educational specialists is guaranteed. Wellenbrecher e.V. offers such travel projects that are carried out not only domestically but also abroad. The aim of these trips is not only to clarify the current life situation of the participants, but also to promote judgment, decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility.

The duration of these projects is approximately 8 to 12 weeks and participation is voluntary, giving young people the opportunity to actively work on their own development. In addition, such trips also serve as crisis intervention in tense social situations that many young people often experience. The educators involved rely on individual and experiential education to motivate young adults and support them on their way to an independent life, which is often a great challenge.

On the Tuesday after the workshops, the film “In Principle Family” was shown at Thalia – Das Programmkino Potsdam. The subsequent discussion, supported by Marie Thiele from AWO Child and Youth Welfare, offered participants the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the topic and exchange ideas with others.

The workshops and events show that new opportunities and approaches are being sought today to meet the challenges of young adults in the transition to independence. It seems as if this area is facing an exciting process of change.

Reports on the specific goals and functions of travel education In view that a resource-oriented perspective is pursued here, which enables young people to recognize their limits and act independently. This kind of vision and support could prove to be a game-changer for many in the long term.

The events and the associated education are essential to help young people improve their living conditions and take responsibility for their own lives. This makes it clear that despite all the challenges, there are also numerous opportunities that need to be exploited.