WEBVTT

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I thought it would be a piece of cake.

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I was a bit nervous, because I didn’t know what to expect.

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This practical project was the most instructive experience of my studies.

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Every Thursday, the social work students get together

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to discuss various issues.

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Today’s topic is this year’s practical project.

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We provide professional learning support for children at a refugee shelter in Hanover,

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because kids with a certificate of basic secondary education get residence status.

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We also offer leisure activities for preschool kids and individual care for older kids.

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Lea is in her fifth semester.

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She has worked with refugee children for six months.

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During the project, she was able to gain a lot of experience

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and master many challenges.

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Keeping a balance between closeness and distance was my biggest problem.

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I never thought the kids would become this fond of me

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That shows how much kids enjoy the attention

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- they soak it up like a sponge.

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Lea and her fellow students share their problems, fears, an successes

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with the fourth semester,

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because now it’s their turn to work at the refugee shelter.

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Anke remembers her first day quite well.

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At first, it was awkward.

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The kids were sceptical of us

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– all these new faces.

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But once we started talking, we soon had lots of fun with them.

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It was amazing to see how quickly they memorised all of our eight names.

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When we came back a week later, they just said ‘Hey Anke, great to see you.

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That was the moment I knew: We’re doing it right, they like us.

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It’s a responsible job that requires preparation and follow-up processes

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- integral parts of the social work study programme at HsH.

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The group meets to reflect on our practice,

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but we also have supervised sessions

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where specific critical occurrences are discussed to see

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why a person reacted in such manner, and what we can do better next time.

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I would advise students to first come up with a concept.

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What is my role in the refugee shelter? What is my role regarding the kids?

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What do the kids mean to me?

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Supervision is also important, not just reflection of practice.

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And an honest exchange within the group.

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You need to openly discuss beforehand how you want to handle certain situations.

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How to react to a child that completely loses it?

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Do you need three people to handle the situation or just one?

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Agreeing on procedures is very important.