Public Fifth Graders Aid: A Day at the Realschule was dedicated to community service
In the picturesque town of Pfingstritztadt, Germany, a unique event is taking place: the annual Volunteer Day. Organized by the Pfingstritztadt Realschule in collaboration with three charitable organisations - the firefighters, the Bavarian Red Cross, and the Water Rescue Service - this day is designed to introduce students to the world of volunteering at an early age.
The event, now in its third year, is a resounding success, with seventy-one students from the fifth grade eagerly participating. Teacher Ina Krause notes that a third of the students are already actively volunteering, a testament to the day's impact.
The day is packed with engaging activities. At the fire department, students have the opportunity to spray water with a fire hose, an exhilarating experience that fosters a sense of camaraderie. Meanwhile, at the Red Cross, they practice first aid techniques, learning how to handle emergency situations with poise and precision. The Water Rescue Service, too, brings a boat to the site, a popular attraction among the young people.
These organisations encourage early volunteering among students and foster team spirit primarily through structured youth programs and engaging training camps tailored specifically for young people. For instance, the IFX Soccer Camp in Bavaria targets boys aged 13-17, developing not only sports skills but also teamwork and discipline, which are foundational for volunteering in structured organisations such as rescue services or fire brigades.
The emphasis on practical training and fostering social bonds among young volunteers is evident. Team spirit, a positive aspect of volunteering, is emphasised by Patron Theo Zellner, the district chairman of the Bavarian Red Cross. He believes that team spirit can be useful in professional life, as well.
The Mayor of Pfingstritztadt, Markus Hofmann, agrees. He believes that one can never learn about volunteering too early, and that the importance of volunteering for the community is emphasised by all parties involved. Even tenth-graders who could have received their grades the day before still wanted to be present to support the volunteers, a testament to the day's appeal.
It's worth noting that the fire department in this context is entirely run by volunteers. The city, like the state, relies on the help of volunteers. Director Sabine Schmid, who introduced the Volunteer Day three years ago, expresses the importance of instilling a sense of community responsibility in the youth.
In conclusion, these organisations cultivate early volunteering by offering age-appropriate training camps, real-life skill development, and group activities that nurture team spirit and readiness for community service roles. The Volunteer Day is a significant step in this direction, providing students with a hands-on experience of what it means to give back to their community.
During the Volunteer Day event in Pfingstritztadt, Germany, students are not only given a chance to participate but also learn about the importance of education-and-self-development through volunteering. This is shown by the IFX Soccer Camp in Bavaria, which targets young people, focusing not only on sports skills but also on teamwork and discipline, essential attributes for effective volunteering.
