Bridge Project 2021
In 2021, the playgroup project for refugee children was successfully continued at the Dortmund and Witten locations. The aim of the project was to introduce children aged 3 to 6 years to the German language and to prepare them for attending kindergarten. The groups consisted of up to 20 children, whereby the gender distribution and the age structure could vary from year to year.
The year 2021 continued to be marked by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, through strict hygiene measures and flexible adjustments to the services offered, the playgroups were able to continue taking place. The care times were offered from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. The premises in Dortmund and Witten made it possible to create a safe and supportive environment for the children despite the pandemic-related restrictions.
The focus of the project was on the linguistic and social support of the children. In a protected setting, the children experienced affection, security and safety, which supported their linguistic and personal development. It was especially important to foster the children's independence and to help them make social contacts and integrate into the community.
Another central aspect was the close cooperation with the parents, which this year too was essential for the successful settling-in and individual support of the children. Parents and carers were in regular contact to ensure that the children's needs were taken into account in the best possible way.
Through this cooperation, the project was able to offer the children a good foundation for the transition to kindergarten in 2021 as well. The children were strengthened not only linguistically but also socially and emotionally, so that they could take their next steps in education with confidence and joy.
