On Saturday, 3. November 2018, the team of the Protestant Public Library opened its doors for the first training course of the EU-funded project “Sprachtreff – for integration in the countryside”. Future Speaking- and Reading-Mentors and interested volunteers working with refugees came to the Protestant Church hall in Hohenahr-Erda in order to learn more about the Speaking- and Reading-Mentorship.
Judith Schumacher and Helene Schäuble from the “Büchereifachstelle” (literally: library specialist department) of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (EKiR) and Christa Joppien from the “Protestant Adult Education Office of Southern Rhineland“ (Evangelisches Erwachsenenbildungswerk Rheinland-Süd) led the attendees through the afternoon and imparted information on materials, the work with refugees and volunteering in general.
Besides general information on the difference between “DaZ” (German as a second language) and “DaF” (German as a foreign language) or the numerous levels of education of refugees, the attendees were offered an insight into the various materials and guidance suggesting how to work with them. Through a practical exercise, the participants were able to test how it feels to read a text written in a foreign writing system. In the second half of the afternoon, the attendees spoke about their expectations and wishes concerning volunteering and learned how to define the boundaries of their work. They were advised that it is also ok to say “No”.
The second training course focusing on “interculturality” will take place on 1. December 2019 before the “Sprachtreff” in Erda officially begins on 11 January 2019.
Text and Photo: Judith Schumacher