All participants have their roots in other countries and have found a new home in Salzgitter. Many of them have already worked as teachers in their home countries or have other previous teaching experience. In addition to the theoretical content such as pedagogy, methodology/didactics, communication and conversation, teaching support and the legal framework, the training focused on learning job-related German skills and getting to know everyday working life in German schools and kindergartens in an internship, as well as applying the acquired knowledge on site.

She had heard from the VHS teachers that they were all very enthusiastic about the graduates, reported Elke Ferfers, head of the city's education department. "You have put a lot of effort and energy into your qualification and have set a fast pace," she praised the participants.

Five graduates will continue their training after the course and have already enrolled at the Fredenberg vocational schools in Lebenstedt to train as social assistants.

It was only the second course of this kind in Salzgitter. It is a certified measure that was financed by the job center or the employment agency via education vouchers. The course was designed and run by VHS Salzgitter in cooperation with the Landesverband Niedersächsischer Volkshochschulen and VHS-Concept - an association of 57 Volkshochschulen.