Time Away for Kids: Navigating Homesickness, Building Connections, and Gathering Newfound Vitality
The AWO Weser-Ems youth work is gearing up for the autumn and Easter holidays, offering a range of care options for children aged 6 to 11, as well as holiday activities for teenagers aged 11 to 14. The organisation, an independent children and youth association, is dedicated to democratic, political, and confessionally independent free youth work.
During holiday periods, the team reflects together every evening to address individual children who seem reserved or need more attention. The first days of a vacation can be challenging due to children not immediately fitting in during get-to-know-you games. However, the team members aim to create an atmosphere in which teenagers feel taken seriously and can build trust over time.
Children between the ages of 6 and 10 often experience homesickness, a form of loneliness reflected in discomfort, sadness, and a lack of interest. To combat this, the AWO Weser-Ems organises group activities and holiday programs to provide social interaction opportunities during vacations.
The organisation also offers outreach and support services where youth workers engage directly with isolated youths. They create inclusive spaces for peer meeting and participation in cultural, sports, or creative projects. Furthermore, they facilitate counselling and mentorship to address emotional challenges linked to loneliness.
Collaborating with schools and local communities, the AWO Weser-Ems works to identify and support vulnerable children and teenagers. This holistic approach aims to foster social connectedness and emotional wellbeing for young people, especially during times when regular social structures like school are paused.
For precise and detailed information on AWO Weser-Ems specific projects or programs, it is recommended to consult their official communications or reach out to their youth services directly.
Nils Wernecke, a volunteer team member, has observed that children are becoming more demanding. To address this, the team members aim to create offers that promote real interaction, games, creative actions, and shared experiences that connect and create real memories away from screens.
The AWO Weser-Ems offers trips to various locations, including Spain and Föhr. From August 1st to 9th, children aged 10 to 13 can join the action-packed children's republic on Föhr. Places are still available.
As one of the six peak associations of the Free Welfare sector in Germany, the AWO has over 300,000 members, more than 72,000 volunteers, and around 242,000 full-time employees. The AWO District Association Weser-Ems is active with over 4,000 employees between the North Sea and the Osnabrücker Land.
Smartphones, Wi-Fi, and constant connectivity have changed societal dynamics, with traditional "free play" taking a back seat and children often being lonelier than before, despite being busy. However, the AWO Weser-Ems youth work is committed to providing a space where children and teenagers can form meaningful connections and create lasting memories.
The AWO Weser-Ems youth work, realizing the influence of smartphones and constant connectivity on societal dynamics, is dedicated to creating an environment where children and teenagers can build rich family-dynamics and establish meaningful relationships, addressing the increasing loneliness among young individuals. During holiday periods, they organize home-and-garden activities, like group outings and creative projects, to encourage social interaction and foster relationships among children and teenagers.
