Helping Dresden’s Youth Overcome School-Related Issues
In Dresden, an increasing number of children and teenagers are refusing to attend school due to psychological reasons. However, there is a project by the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO), a German social welfare organization, that aims to help these young individuals return to the classroom.
The AWO’s “Jobladen” project, located at the Jugendhaus Emmers in Dresden-Pieschen, provides support to youth struggling with various concerns. These concerns include academic pressure and bullying from classmates, which often lead to physical and mental health issues such as headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, and panic attacks. Consequently, affected individuals refuse to attend school, a phenomenon known as “school absenteeism.” However, this is not a case of mere truancy, but rather a result of their psychological and physical problems.
“We observe lingering effects of the lockdowns among young people,” says Kristin Sauer, one of the project’s social workers. Alongside their colleagues, including Elena Krügel, they engage in intensive conversations with the youth, offering a listening ear and involving parents when necessary. They have witnessed success stories as well, such as individuals who initially lacked a high school diploma but are now pursuing higher education after taking a different path.”
The Prevalence of School Absenteeism in Dresden and Saxony
The issue of school absenteeism affects hundreds of children and teenagers in Dresden alone. In 2022, the city reported a total of 549 cases, including 271 in secondary schools (Oberschulen), 61 in high schools (Gymnasien), and 61 in primary schools (Grundschulen). Violators can face fines of up to €1,250. In 2023, the city had already issued 181 fines, amounting to a total of €38,700, to students by the end of August. However, this issue extends beyond Dresden, affecting the entire state of Saxony. Since 2006, the number of related offenses in Saxony has quadrupled, with approximately 7,000 cases reported in 2018. Consequently, more young people are leaving school without completing their education, accounting for 8.5% of all students in Saxony in 2018, which equated to around 2,500 individuals.
The Role of Medical Professionals in Addressing School Absenteeism
Andreas Lachnit, a physician specialized in psychosomatics and psychotherapy for children and adolescents at the Krankenhaus Neustadt in Dresden, has observed a high number of cases where young people have been irregularly attending school for months or even years.
“Some of the young individuals we treat here haven’t regularly attended school for an extended period,” states Dr. Lachnit. His team focuses on helping children and teenagers who experience symptoms related to their absenteeism and the associated psychological issues.
The “Jobladen” Project: Supporting Young People’s Future
Aside from addressing school-related concerns, the “Jobladen” project also provides guidance on various aspects of young individuals’ professional futures. Elena Krügel emphasizes that they offer assistance on matters concerning school, vocational training, and employment, as well as offering a listening ear without judgment. The project, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, provides free counseling and support to individuals aged 14 to 26 years, ensuring anonymity upon request. The team, consisting of Elena Krügel, Kristin Sauer, and Christina Piche, assists young people in finding internships, vocational training opportunities, jobs, and even in obtaining missed school qualifications. They can help with writing applications, conducting mock interviews, and filling out paperwork for authorities and agencies. Additionally, they guide young people in making decisions regarding their education or career paths, assuring them that it is okay to change their chosen path if necessary.
A Path Towards a Brighter Future
The “Jobladen” project aims to empower young individuals to forge their own paths in life. To further this goal, the team is organizing a workshop for teenagers titled “Schulabschluss – und dann? Wie finde ich heraus, was ich nach der Schule machen möchte?” (Graduation – and then? How do I figure out what I want to do after school?). The workshop, taking place on January 16th from 4 PM to 7 PM, will explore various options such as vocational training, university studies, or volunteering years, while also uncovering participants’ interests and strengths.
Interested participants can register by calling 0351/4278920 or emailing [email protected]
