Sparkasse backs educational initiatives aimed at preventing issues in Dutch schools
In the digital age, the internet offers a myriad of opportunities for communication, learning, and entertainment. However, it also presents challenges, such as cyberbullying, hate speech, and fake news. Recognizing this, schools in Hollenstedt, Germany, have taken proactive steps to educate students about these issues.
The High School and the Integrated Comprehensive School in Hollenstedt have implemented age-appropriate prevention projects, with the newly created IGS taking on the 5th grade, and the Estetalschule catering to students from grades 6 to 10. Ina Sommer and Marina Otto are responsible for these projects at the schools.
Carina Roder, the acting deputy principal of the OBS, has expressed that these projects are well-received by the students and that both school forms cooperate well in prevention work. The projects focus on media for 5th and 6th graders, alcohol and drug prevention in grades 7 and 8, and career orientation projects in grades 9 and 10.
To further enhance the prevention work, the Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude has donated an additional 2,000 euros to support the projects at the Integrated Comprehensive School and the High School. The "Ich bin on...!" project, a collaboration between the Estetalschule, the IGeSte, and the youth welfare office in Hollenstedt, is one such initiative.
The "Ich bin on...!" project aims to help students recognize and maintain boundaries online. It also focuses on peer-to-peer education and encouraging courageous behavior in violent situations and towards those affected. Selected students are trained to become #webcoaches in cooperation with Resofabrik e.V. to help in dealing with social networks and other media.
The focus of the #webcoaches' workshops is on topics such as "Rules in the class chat" for 5th graders of the IGeSte. The project also emphasizes conveying knowledge about self-protection on the net and encouraging students to stand up against bullying and violence online.
Kristina Rathke, deputy regional manager of the Sparkasse, considers the support of youth work, including schools, as a central pillar of their promotion. She notes that due to changed life models, support from the home becomes more difficult in many cases, making institutions like schools gain more importance in prevention work.
Sadly, more than a third of all young people have already had experiences with these issues, either as victims or witnesses. Andrea Jahns, acting principal of the Integrated Comprehensive School in Hollenstedt, has stated that schools need to address the issue of bullying, conflicts, and violence on the internet.
The organization supporting the broad orientation of prevention work at the middle school and integrated comprehensive school in Hollenstedt is the Lions Club Buxtehude Elbe, which donated 14,000 euros for the project in the areas of media and prevention.
In conclusion, the schools in Hollenstedt are making significant strides in equipping their students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. The collaboration between schools, organizations, and the local community is essential in fostering a safe and supportive digital environment for the youth.
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