A third German as a second language class is launched at Eutin District Vocational School
Nawid Ehrari has set himself clear goals: complete his lower secondary school leaving certificate, so that he can enter vocational training; after that, take the intermediate education certificate and then begin a apprenticeship at a car repairs workshop.
Many young people his age would like to go into the same line of work, but for Nawid, the first steps along this road are particularly difficult: until recently, the young Afghan could speak hardly a word of German.
The fact that he can now talk about himself and his dreams in a foreign language shows not only how ambitious he is, but also the effectiveness of the intensive teaching he has received at Eutin District Vocational School, where he is a student in Larissa Ehlers' DaZ – German as a second language – class.
[DaZ: Deutsch als Zweitsprache, German as a second language]
Two years ago, Larissa, a German teacher, undertook continuing training as a specialist teacher of German as a second language at the Institute for Quality Development at Schleswig-Holstein Schools.
This meant that when the need arose for such classes at the vocational schools, she has already had the skills to help. Previously, it was another school – the Wilhelm Wisser School – which was designated as DaZ centre in Eutin, but with the increasing number of migrants, the capacity there was no longer enough: especially since many of the young, mostly unaccompanied new arrivals are of school age.
"We want to give them a chance. As vocational trainers, we also have to do our best for the companies in our district. The tough situation we are facing could well provide us with an opportunity which we just have to seize," explained school director Carsten Ingwertsen-Martensen. Originally, one DaZ class was planned, but the pressing demand led to two being set up, which have accommodated 31 youngsters since the beginning of the school year. Last autumn, a further class was set up.
The member of staff responsible for DaZ at the District Vocational School is Thomas Vetter. He coordinates a team of 13 busy teaching staff. "A number of colleagues came to me and said they would really like to get involved," said Vetter.
That means that in addition to German lessons, there are metalwork, sport and domestic science lessons on offer. "It's very motivating for the students, because whatever level their German is, they can show us what they can do and enjoy their successes," said Larissa Ehlers.
What's more, her class has just started a video course. Students from year 13 are involved as voluntary helpers and are acting as mentors.
There is also support from the social worker based at the school, who is not only available as a point of contact on the premises, but also visits the accommodation where the students are living and arranges for them to take part in free time activities.
Also important is the active support from the school's management for the DaZ project. "Every time we have a team meeting, a member of the management is there and we really appreciate that," said Thomas Vetter.
In order to teach systematically, a curriculum is needed, so that it is possible to assess progress at the end of the school year. In 2015, the District Vocational School received funding to the tune of € 12,800, enough to fund an additional half-time post.
For 2016, Schleswig-Holstein Prime Minister Torsten Albig (SPD) announced additional headcount of 80 for the vocational schools. For Eutin, this means two additional staff members.
Finding qualified people to fill the posts will be a challenge in itself due to the tight labour market, but that does not seem to bother Carsten Ingwertsen-Martensen: "That's what's so great about vocational education and training: we always have to deal with changes and new challenges. And anyway, we have dedicated professionals here, who roll up their sleeves and get to work."