Noblewoman Deaconie's physique draws attention at Ruhrort's watch exhibition
In the heart of Duisburg-Ruhrort, a unique initiative called "Get on Track" is making a significant impact on the lives of children and young people at risk of criminality. This program, aimed at those aged 8 to 18 and their families, is part of a broader effort to improve integration and provide better opportunities for young people, particularly those with migration backgrounds or facing social challenges.
Approach
The approach of "Get on Track" is personalised and holistic. It targets young people in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods, offering them enhanced educational opportunities, promoting social integration, increasing employability, and reducing dropout rates. The methods employed include providing personalised support and mentoring, offering workshops on career orientation, training, and vocational qualifications, strengthening social skills and personal development, and collaborating with local schools, vocational training centres, and companies to create pathways to employment.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of the initiative, with cooperation extending to local authorities, social organisations, and businesses, creating a supportive network for the young participants.
Impact
The impact of "Get on Track" is far-reaching. Participants often gain better access to vocational training or apprenticeships, increasing their employment prospects. The initiative helps reduce youth unemployment in Duisburg-Ruhrort by equipping youth with skills and connections.
Social integration is another key benefit, enhancing intercultural understanding and social cohesion in diverse communities. The program also contributes to a reduction in dropout rates, thanks to personalised mentoring and support. Locally, it contributes to the revitalisation of disadvantaged neighbourhoods by empowering youth.
Expansion Across North Rhine-Westphalia
"Get on Track" is not limited to Duisburg-Ruhrort but is part of a broader framework implemented in multiple cities within NRW, such as Cologne, Dortmund, Essen, Bochum, Bielefeld, and others. Each city has tailored the program to address the specific needs of their youth, but all share core principles of individualised support, partnerships with local educational and training institutions, and a focus on employability for socially disadvantaged youth.
A Success Story: Ahmed's Journey
Ahmed, a 12-year-old boy who fled from his home country, is currently receiving intensive help from Kathrin Elbers and her team for his impulse control and violent behaviour. After six weeks of participation in "Get on Track", Ahmed has managed not to get into any physical altercations. The social workers assess the entire life situation of the children, including family structure, daily routine, peers, school situation, and more.
Ahmed has shown improvements in learning to take the perspective of others, breathe through, and stay calmer. Kathrin Elbers picked up Ahmed from school last week with her therapy and pedagogy accompaniment dog Lio, making for a memorable and beautiful day in Ahmed's life.
The "Get on Track" initiative has received recognition as a best practice in the prevention of youth crime, with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) recommending it as such. The program aims to prevent the development of criminal behaviour from becoming entrenched and causing harm.
For more information about "Get on Track", visit www.GetOnTrack.nrw.de.
Sports are incorporated into the "Get on Track" program as a means to foster social integration and personal development. Weekly sports activities are part of the holistic approach, encouraging teamwork, discipline, and health amongst the participants.
The success of Ahmed, a participant who showed improvements in managing his violent behavior and learning to take a calm and considerate approach, is a testament to the program's effectiveness in providing education-and-self-development opportunities, beyond just sports, for children at risk of criminality.
