Bad Hersfeld (pm/gü) – The atmosphere was festive on Friday evening at the Obersberg Audimax, with 48 young people from the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district being honored. All of them volunteered during the past school year as part of the Voluntary Social School Year Hessen (FSSJH) and this was to be celebrated in style.
„You are the backbone of our society,“ proudly stated District Administrator Torsten Warnecke to the young individuals. With 140 guests present, including representatives from placement sites and schools, Warnecke emphasized the importance of their commitment: „It is impressive that the number of participants has more than tripled since the program started in the fall of 2022. Your efforts make a real difference – keep it up. The opportunities to do good are diverse.“ With these words, the students were celebrated for their approximately 80 hours of voluntary work per school year. They were involved in various facilities and associations throughout the district – from assisting in childcare centers to participating in cultural or social projects. For many, it was more than just a duty, but an experience that has personally enriched them.
Bringing in Fresh Perspectives and Ideas
And it’s not just the youth who benefit from this program: placement sites have reported „fresh perspectives“ and new ideas that the young individuals have brought to their daily routines. „It’s great to see the energy and creativity with which the young people approach their work,“ said several placement sites. „They have not only provided practical support but also opened up entirely new perspectives for us.“ The positive feedback from both sides indicates that FSSJH is a genuine win-win situation. The evening was musically accompanied by a saxophone quartet from the music school, adding a festive touch to the celebrations. The highlight was the ceremonial presentation of certificates – not only to the students but also to the placement sites and participating schools. Following a summer buffet, guests had the opportunity to exchange their experiences.
Shaping the Future: Registration for the 2024/2025 School Year Now Open
The commitment of the young individuals has left a lasting impression. For those inspired and eager to engage in voluntary work, registration for the Voluntary Social School Year 2024/2025 is already open. The program will start on October 1st. Interested students can register on the county’s website at www.hef-rof.de/fssjh or contact the Coordination Center for Civic Engagement directly via email at ehrenamt@hef-rof.de or by phone at 06621 87-1106 or -1143.