Christin von der Ahe, who has a degree in social education, has held the previously long vacant street work position in Karlsfeld for almost two years.
In the interview she talks about the differences and similarities in the work in Berlin and Karlsfeld, about the effects of the corona pandemic on young people as well as about drugs and violent gangs in the community.
Ms. von der Ahe, you worked in Berlin before you took over the street worker position in Karlsfeld. How much does work in a metropolis with millions differ from that in a community in the Dachau district?
Working with young people doesn't really differ, regardless of whether it's a big city or a community of 22,000 people, puberty is equally difficult everywhere.
The difference to Berlin is that I can't just go back to work here anonymously.
Whether I go shopping or take a walk by the lake, I usually come across my work, and often you get deeply engrossed in an intensive conversation.
Another point is the media and political attention that this position brings with it, which I wasn't aware of at all and I still have to get used to it.
What do they have in common?
The young people and children are grateful when you notice them, have an ear for them and meet them at eye level.
It doesn't matter where I work, whether in Berlin or Karlsfeld, the important thing is that I simply enjoy my work with the kids and young people, even if it is often neglected because the trappings take up so much time.
You took on a position in Karlsfeld in 2019 that had previously been vacant for a long time. How important is street work for Karlsfeld?
In my opinion, extreme, because I am somehow tangible for everyone and because Karlsfeld is structured like a village, many know me and my name.
The children and adolescents also speak to me with their concerns on their own, and these concerns can be extremely varied.
From lovesickness to disputes and crimes.
What does your “clientele” look like in Karlsfeld?
Officially, I work with young people aged 14 to 27.
The practice looks different, here it is children and young people between the ages of ten and 21.
Street work is also generally called outreach youth work. Is there a difference?
Officially, the difference is that street work is aimed at special groups in a neighborhood.
For example, to punks or a trigger scene.
Outreach youth work is aimed at all young people in the social space and their needs.
Young people are being marginalized, you said recently at your official presentation in the local council. How is that expressed in concrete terms?
For example: Due to several police operations in the New Center because of violations of the corona rules, the place became unattractive for the young people.
You have looked for new places.
Unfortunately, it is often the case that young people are classified as threatening and disruptive.
And right now there is no central place in Karlsfeld where young people can meet in their subculture without adult citizens complaining about the behavior and the noise.
Corona affects all areas of life. To what extent do young people suffer from this?
In the time of youth, friends are the alpha and omega. It is best to hang out in large groups and ignore everything else.
Physical contact with friends is important.
But none of that was possible last year, or rather, it was forbidden.
From the point of view of an expert in youth work in Karlsfeld, what is particularly good and what is missing?
It is good that we actually have a lot of spatial possibilities that we can use and that we get support and backing from the town hall for actions.
And what is missing?
We have to work more closely with other organizations and associations in child and youth work and address young people more specifically and respond to their needs.
What about drugs in Karlsfeld?
There are drugs everywhere, including here.
It always has to do with supply and demand.
It is important to educate the youth here and to provide them with offers of help.
And violence? Do youth gangs exist in Karlsfeld and to what extent do they cause problems?
Yes, there is a "gang" in Karlsfeld that is up to mischief and which unfortunately suppresses its victims very much.
What can you do?
Here it is important that we show children, young people and their parents that, firstly, they are not alone and, secondly, that one has to defend oneself.
We, the youth work Karlsfeld, have therefore launched the campaign “#Karlsfeld stands up!”.
Various campaigns will be carried out under this motto in the near future.
The first will take place on July 3rd in the market square from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
It is about violence prevention and moral courage.
Your greatest wish for youth work in Karlsfeld?
I hope that the position and the youth work will continue to be perceived positively and that we will all further develop this area together so that all future tasks can be mastered.