Category: Education and training

The foundation has helped to provide additional equipment at the secondary school in Lovech which specializes in science. ZSPACE devices, cameras and corresponding software can be used to conduct tests and experiments using 3D images in augmented reality during mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM) lessons. This facilitates a new kind of interactive learning experience that can make science and technology lessons more engaging. 

With assistance from the foundation, the vocational college for transport engineering and electronics in Lovech expanded its existing equipment with stereo-scopic 3D laptops and corresponding software. This initiative also led to the creation of a virtual STEM laboratory, enabling multiple groups of students to engage with the technology simultaneously. This enhancement has made experiments with electrical circuits more realistic and illustrative than ever before.

The Bergische Agentur für Kulturlandschaft (BAK) acts as a link between agriculture and forestry, nature conservation, local authorities and specialist  organisations. It has set itself the task of overhauling the subject of agriculture as taught in schools. An interactive brochure on the topics explains the situation in the regional agriculture and its  dairy industry. 

The aim of the Solawi (solidarity agriculture) farm collective project at Hermann-Voss-Realschule in Wipperfürth is to teach practical and theoretical knowledge in nutrition, local direct marketing, organic farming, vegetable cultivation and natural recycling processes to students through the school gardening club. The school garden, which had been unused for an extended period, is also being revitalized as part of this project.

The “Zukunftsschmiede” (Future Forge) is a small workshop at the vocational college in Hückeswagen, where additional courses can be held in the afternoon alongside normal lessons. The aim is to get young people interested in technology and the associated professions in a fun and experimental way. Thanks to funding from the foundation, the college has purchased additional equipment, allowing for an enhanced range of courses in digitalization, robotics, virtual reality and 3D technologies.

The Wipperfürth youth art school, “Kunstbahnhof”, run by the community foundation “Wir Wipperfürther” moved to new premises at Lüdenscheider Straße 21 in autumn 2021. The Hans Hermann Voss Foundation provided funding for the new equipment for the Kunstbahnhof. The premises and equipment were redesigned to be as accessible as possible for everbody. To expand the services available, in addition to the studio, dance and theater rooms, a workshop area was set up where students can also work with wood or metal, for example.

The aim is to sensitize pupils to the social media. The focus is on education about opportunities and dangers (data misuse or cyber mobbing) as well as on prevention and support measures. The approach is to train youngsters in classes 7-9 to become media assistants, while at the same time providing a training program for teachers. Under the leadership of the Education Agency of the district Oberberg, together with the Gummersbach County Police Department and the district Youth Welfare Office as well as other organizations as co-operation partners, a structured, district-wide training offer was created, particularly focusing on the rural structures of the region. The organization is to secure the project by setting up a network and long-term collaboration with cooperation partners so that students are not only media assistants at their own school, but also act as multipliers for primary schools and trained media assistants.

The mentoring program of the “Generation Ausbildung” supports young people looking for apprenticeships on their journey from their final year of school to end of their first year of training. Mentors with experience in the field support their mentees with 1:1 meetings and also volunteer as role models and motivators to help their mentees successfully kick start their careers.

After a short period of initial support for the mentoring program in the Oberbergischer Kreis by the Hans Hermann Voss Foundation, the Oberbergischer Kreis location was also accepted for permanent support by the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

More details and application information for both mentors and mentees can be found at https://www.bildung-in-oberberg.de/

The goal of the project “Climb aboard – and advance!” is to help young students with school-related and social problems to finish school and find an apprenticeship position. The project of the “Kölner Gymnasial- und Stiftungsfonds” (Cologne high school and endowment fund) has already been offered at various schools in Cologne since 2007 and thanks to funding by the Hans Hermann Voss Foundation, there has been a branch of the project in Wipperfürth since 2014.

Up to 30 students in the 7th grade and up can participate in the project. A social worker supports the youth and offers them a secure place to go for problems in school, at home, and in the social sphere. This counseling and support are still available to the students up to a year after they graduate.

The project “TuWaS! Technik und Naturwissenschaft an Schulen” (Do something! Technology and natural science in schools) in rhineland is offered by the chambers of industry and commerce (IHK) Cologne, Bonn/Rhine-Sieg and Middle Lower Rhine. The Hans Hermann Voss Foundation allows elementary schools in the Oberbergischer Kreis district free participation in this offer.

The aim is to introduce children to questions of natural science and technology as early as possible and in a fun way. Lessons are offered on the topics of weather, solids and liquids, the life cycle of a butterfly, electrical circuits, chemical tests, motion, and structure. Tried and tested material for 16 progressive lectures will be provided to the schools. In addition, day-long training sessions for teachers are offered that will give teachers a theoretical and didactic foundation.

The experiment units are designed according to the curriculum for regular lessons. They include handbooks and materials with which the children can conduct experiments in groups of two or three over a time period of four to eight weeks. Delivery, pick-up, and maintenance of the experiment units are included in the concept. The day-long training sessions on guided research-based learning are offered biannually on every experiment unit for elementary school teachers.