Vocational training program for youth in Saarlouis region, initiated 20 years ago, reports encouraging outcomes

In the heart of Saarloius, the district administration building played host to a special event, marking the 20th anniversary of the "Youth Welfare-School-Work" action program. This long-standing network project, which has been funded by the Saarland Ministry of Education and Culture and the European Social Fund, has been making a significant difference in the lives of disadvantaged children, young people, and young adults for two decades.

The program, led by the Saarloius district, currently cooperates with nine free welfare associations and over 90 specialists. Its goal is to significantly reduce the number of young people without a school leaving certificate and with low training and job prospects. In the 2023/24 school year alone, around 7,000 young people were individually accompanied within the action program.

The ceremonial event was attended by representatives of the district administration, involved specialists, and numerous cooperation partners. District Administrator Patrik Lauer emphasized the importance of the joint commitment in the program, highlighting its success over the past two decades.

However, changes are on the horizon. The iSPO GmbH, responsible for preparing the annual effectiveness report of the action program, will no longer be involved from the next year. The Saarbrücken-based iso-Institut für Sozialforschung und Sozialwirtschaft will take over this task, ensuring the program's continued evaluation and improvement.

The "Youth Welfare-School-Work" action program brings together social pedagogical specialists, schools, youth welfare institutions, administration, and science. Its impact and commitment behind this long-standing network project were honoured at the event.

For more information about the action program, including contacts with central contact persons, visitors can refer to the district's website at www.kreis-saarlouis.de/Aktionsprogramm-Jugendhilfe-Schule-Beruf.htm. The program provides tailored support, promotion, and assistance offers to help young people reach their full potential.

As the program looks forward to another year of making a difference in the lives of young people, it reflects on its past achievements and looks towards a future filled with hope and opportunity.