newsletter registration Living together, school, leisure time, therapy
- Every village needs a place where young people can meet: Young people from the Children’s Village meet members of exchange groups.
Each living group consists of a maximum of eight boys and girls from different national backgrounds. They are supported by a socio-pedagogical team who takes care of them throughout their stay (day-to-day activities, leisure time and cultural activities). Cultural diversity, reflection of cultural differences and familiarization with Swiss culture are key aspect of the project. All children and young people have their own room unless they explicitly desire to share a room with someone else.
Each living group is supported all year round. In general, the young people spend every other weekend and ten school holiday weeks per year outside the Children’s Village, mainly with their families. The overall responsibility for their stay, however, remains with the Children’s Village.
School for Intercultural Learning
The School for Intercultural Learning applies the curriculum of the canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden and adopts its marking system. Its educational concept is focused on two key elements
- Pestalozzi’s holistic approach «Learning with head, heart and hands»; we put emphasis on a thorough promotion of social and personal capabilities
- Interculturality as subject-transcending teaching principle
The two primary classes (grades 1 to 9 with a maximum of ten pupils) benefit from various special needs offers. The pre-vocational class has a specialised curriculum. As a matter of principle, newly arriving children and young people attend the internal school for at least one full semester. Subsequent educational options (internal or external) are decided upon during the first evaluation session. Intermediate or higher Certificates of Education (Realschule, Sekundarschule, Gymnasium) can be obtained in schools nearby. The School for Intercultural Learning also welcomes children and young people who do not live in the Children’s Village.
Youth Club
Young people over 13 years of age can visit the youth club in the evening. The club offers various leisure time activities and events including get-togethers with foreign youth groups visiting the Village. Activities range from a game of billiard to a chat in the cosy corner.
Therapy
Newly arrived young people enter a three-month trial period during which they have two consultations with a psychologist. In the course of these meetings our staff members briefly assess their personality, their resources and their problems from a psychological perspective.
Psychotherapy usually consists of one individual session weekly.If the young person agrees, some of the issues arising during therapy may be discussed with the carer or teacher.
Intercultural pre-vocational training
More independence and integration into work life are the principal objectives of our pre-vocational training. A flexible modular approach together with socio-pedagogical support helps young people to gather relevant experience in three areas of life: living together, school and workplace.
This living group accomodates eight young people. In addition, two people from outside the Village can join the pre-vocational programme.
