How do you reach young people in the middle of the pandemic and get them excited about activities?
Langenbach's new youth club leader explains her plans in an interview.
Langenbach
- In the middle of the corona pandemic, the Langenbach youth club has a new head: Jessica Ginthör.
The 33-year-old social worker has already gained a lot of experience in school social work and in matters of violence prevention and will in future be the contact person for the young people from Langenbach.
In the FT interview, she talks about her start in the corona pandemic, the facility as an “anchor” for young people and planned campaigns.
Freisinger Tagblatt:
Ms. Ginthör, you took over the management of the Langenbach youth club on January 1st - in the middle of the pandemic.
Have you already had the opportunity to contact the young people?
Jessica Ginthör:
Yes - but mostly only via social media such as Instagram or Facebook.
And we host Zoom online meetings.
But it is difficult to reach new teenagers.
And those who were in the youth club until 2019, i.e. before the pandemic, are now 18, 19 years old, mostly in training and therefore gone.
That means there is currently an idle?
Yes.
Especially with the 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds we just lack access.
We try to reach the six to 13 year olds through the holiday program.
At the age of six they are still a bit young, but if we don't speak to them now, if they are still in Langenbach, in elementary school, then they'll be gone too.
We support young people with problems - for example with their parents or at school.
I also see that as my job.
Jessica Ginthör
However, the corona pandemic does not allow many possibilities.
We currently offer regular workshops - online.
For example, we recently had an application workshop for the elderly.
But our other (to-go) offers - such as making concrete eggs, painting spring pillows and making natural cosmetics - are also well received.
In June we would like to organize an upcycling course and turn a pair of jeans into a bag.
The young people want to be part of such offers, but it is up to us to include them.
There are also counseling offers for young people ...
That is actually the only thing we can and are allowed to offer on site at the moment, as long as the incidence value is over 100: individual advice.
Here the young people have the opportunity to talk to someone who does not live in their own household.
We support them with problems - for example with their parents or at school.
This open hour of discussion is also part of our work.
And I see that as my job: to be a local contact for the young people.
But of course the young people want to meet first and foremost.
How important is the youth club as a permanent point of contact?
It is important for the young people that there is a place where they can meet - and where they can be who they are.
It is important to me that the young people have an additional anchor: a place where they can go when it is difficult - without obligations.
And a place where there is variety ... What do young people want?
Sometimes they want to be left alone and just have a chat.
Sometimes we cook together or do something - of course only if there is no Corona.
You can also play billiards and table tennis at any time.
Group dynamic games are also well received.
As soon as the Playstation 5 is there, we will get it.
Jessica Ginthör
Young people currently spend a lot of time in front of the computer. That presents you with additional challenges, doesn't it?
After Corona, we actually have to deal with how we can get the young people off the screens again - for example with outdoor offers and workshops.
Nevertheless, computer games are also an issue for us: As soon as the Playstation 5 is there, we will procure it - for the older ones.
That is just part of it.
Even if the youth club is currently closed: Can the youths come anyway?
Exactly - for example to do homework in peace or to work on the computer.
We provide rooms and a computer for this.
We currently have a few students who come to do their homework.
Very important: This is a voluntary offer without any obligation to supervise - anyone can come and go when they want, but (currently) has to make an appointment beforehand.
You originally come from school social work and have also gained experience in preventing violence. How does the switch to open youth work come about?
For private, organizational reasons.
You need a lot of time for school social work and violence prevention - that doesn't really work well with a part-time job like the one I have.
Open youth work is organized quite differently.
This can be easily reconciled with my 24.75 hours a week.
Here I can also offer the creative offers much better.
How can young people get in touch with you or the youth club for the first time?
Just come to the opening times.
If we can get started again, we are always open on Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. for nine to 13-year-olds and as usual on Fridays from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. for young people from the age of twelve.
Or the young people simply contact me via message or social media.
Don't be afraid!
What do you wish for the youth club?
That it will be crowded and turbulent again and that we can do activities together again - without mask and distance.
Good to know
The youth club at Hagenaustraße 28 in Langenbach can be reached as follows - even during the corona pandemic: by telephone on (0176) 63046405 and (08761) 725369, or by email to
info@jugendtreff-langenbach.de
.
Also read: With the help of the Kickstart Kultur Initiative Freising, Johanna Weinberger is fulfilling a dream - and is bringing out an audio book.
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