The annual report on school social work for young people 2022/2023, which was presented to the city council in February 2025, impressively documents the diversity and effectiveness of this work. With over 7,000 pupils at 18 schools, school social work for young people has become an indispensable support for children and young people. Its services range from building blocks for developing personal and social skills and conflict counseling to innovative prevention programs and leisure activities.

A significant step was the renaming of the department to "School Social Work Youth", which not only highlights the specialization of this area, but also underlines the increasing importance of this work. This development was accompanied by a structural and financial strengthening: the needs-oriented expansion at Hauptschulen and Realschulen was made possible with additional budget funds.

In order to specifically address the educational challenges of young people, school social work for young people relies on innovative concepts. With projects such as "Saturdays for Future" (S4F), School Social Work Youth supports young people whose school-leaving qualifications are at risk to prepare specifically for their Hauptschule or Realschule exams. Pupils meet on Saturdays to learn German, math and English with specialist support. S4F offers young people a structured and stress-free opportunity to prepare for their exams in small learning groups and improve their academic performance in the long term.

From Year 8 onwards, vocational orientation plays a central role. The Competence Development Program (KEP) supports young people in their transition from school to working life. Company visits, practical days and job application training not only help pupils with their career orientation, but also strengthen their self-confidence and social skills. Companies such as Autohaus Haese, InfraServ and Brömer are regular partners that provide young people with insights into various professional fields and create valuable contacts. This practical approach makes the often difficult transition phase more tangible and creates prospects.

In addition to school and professional topics, the school social work for young people is also dedicated to the personal development of young people. With "Back to the roots", it offers pupils a challenging test during the summer vacations. They walk from Wiesbaden to Kaub and spend the night in tents. They have to carry their own tents, food, cooking utensils, drinks and all other luggage. In addition to this physical challenge, the 60 km route is also about finding your bearings and coming to terms with yourself and the group as well as with nature. "Back to the roots" promotes mutual respect, conveys values such as consensus and self-determination and supports young people in taking responsibility for their own decisions and relationships.

However, the support is not limited to personal, educational or professional issues; school social work for young people also focuses on special target groups. For example, the mentoring program "Zeit für Dich" supports pupils who are new to Germany. In addition to language skills, social integration is also promoted in intensive German classes. In addition, volunteer mentors are involved in supporting the young people. Whether it is homework, visits to the authorities or difficult life situations, the mentors take the time to support the young people on their journey in their new home country. This personal support not only creates trust, but also stability and orientation.

At the same time, school social work also addresses social challenges. The "Enabling Youth with Acceptance" project offers workshops and training courses that sensitize pupils and professionals to issues such as racism, anti-Semitism and sexism. These events not only promote respectful interaction with one another, but also actively help to break down prejudices and strengthen social interaction. Inclusion workshops with the Rhine River Rhinos have been firmly anchored in the program since 2022 and show how creative and practical prevention work can be.

Head of Social Affairs Dr. Patricia Becher: "School social work for young people is far more than just short-term support. It enables young people to develop their potential and face life's challenges with confidence. In this way, we not only create individual opportunities, but also help to strengthen social cohesion in the long term."

The success of school social work for young people is not only measurable in figures, but is also reflected in its long-term impact. Over 214 transitions to vocational schools, training programs or further education were actively supported in 2023. Such results illustrate how sustainable and effective the work of School Social Work Youth is.

But these successes are no reason to stand still. The annual report shows that school social work for young people is facing new challenges. There are plans to further expand services, intensify career guidance and develop innovative prevention projects in order to meet the changing needs of pupils.

Anyone wishing to find out more about school social work for young people in Wiesbaden can find the full annual report and further information on the City of Wiesbaden website at www.wiesbaden.de/leben-in-wiesbaden/gesellschaft/soziale-dienste-hilfen/content/schulsozialarbeit-dokumente.php.

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