Girls’ project at Centro S. Antonio promotes cohesion
Rheine. cpr. In the third and fourth vacation week it was lively in the Centro S. Antonio, the intercultural meeting center of Caritas Rheine. The “Intercultural Girls’ Group” is a cooperation offer of the specialized service Migration and Integration and the Euregio Comprehensive School Rheine. During the past school year, the focus for fifth and sixth grade girls was on experiencing community and making new acquaintances. In this way, networks could be created and social skills in dealing with others could be deepened.
A total of 16 girls registered for this vacation program. The project coordinator of the girls’ group and employee of the Migration and Integration Service, Kiana Aminpour, prepared the two weeks with two different focuses. She was supported in the implementation by the social pedagogue Isabel Bachmann from the project “Zusammen im Quartier. Strengthening children – securing the future” project from the youth counseling center of the Caritasverband Rheine.
The first week focused on self-awareness and the appreciation of one’s own personality through an artistic and aesthetic education of the participants. In cooperation with social worker Heike Kajüter of the Caritas Children’s and Youth Home, they created body-size movement pictures. In addition, treasure chests were made in which the girls can store personal treasures, also for the future.
In the second week, the focus was on standing up for themselves and standing up for each other. With the support of social pedagogue and prevention specialist Jutta Kleinschnitker-Dammann from the Caritas Children and Youth Home, the schoolgirls learned how to react in certain situations. Through playful exercises, the participants learned to clearly say “No!”, to defend themselves physically, and to gain an awareness of where their individual boundaries lie. A highlight of the week was the trampling and smashing of boards, where the girls could experience their own strength. A role play in which participants practiced how to respond to harassment on public transportation was particularly well received. In the reflection session at the end of the week, many of the participants reported that it was now easier for them to say “No!”.
But of course, fun and togetherness were not neglected either. The girls played various games together and visited an “Escape Room” during both weeks. Every day, healthy meals were cooked while having nice conversations. In this way, the participants experienced teamwork and cohesion. The program was funded by the “Catching up with Corona” action program of the German Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.