Leonie Baumann: On the way to becoming a teacher in the forest kindergarten!

Leonie Baumann: On the way to becoming a teacher in the forest kindergarten!

In idyllic Templin, 18-year-old Leonie Baumann has big plans for her future. The young woman, who is on the way to her dream job as an educator, is currently completing a Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) at the forest kindergarten in the city. This exciting experience began on September 1st last year and will accompany Leonie until August 31st this year. The forest kindergarten, run by the Free School Prenzlau e. V., offers space for 45 children and follows an educational concept based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, as Nordkurier reports.

After completing the 11th grade, Leonie applied to the International Youth Community Services (IJGD) and is already showing great independence and willingness to help. During her time in kindergarten, among other things, she renovated an old barefoot path, which not only demonstrates her craftsmanship skills, but also shows her commitment to the children and nature. As Andrea Bartelt, the head of the forest kindergarten, emphasizes, Leonie receives valuable support during her FÖJ to further develop her skills.

A look at the FÖJ

The FÖJ not only offers insights into social professions, but also gives volunteers the opportunity to actively contribute to environmental protection. In Brandenburg, both the FÖJ and the Ecological Federal Voluntary Service (ÖBFD) are in high demand, with the deployment locations being extensive and diverse. Honest feedback on your career choice goes hand in hand with the opportunity to gain practical experience. This positive influence is particularly important for young people between the ages of 15 and 26 who are about to start their studies or start a career. The ijgd provides information on possible applications in Brandenburg, among others from its office in Potsdam.

The FÖJ is usually offered for a period of 12 months, with the minimum duration being six months and, in exceptional cases, up to 18 months being possible. This is a good opportunity for many volunteers to get involved in nature, as the page for youth volunteer services explains. Volunteers are socially insured, receive varying pocket money and benefit from individual educational support during their time in the respective facilities.

Perspectives for the future

After her FÖJ, Leonie plans to apply for a training position as a teacher, including at the high school center in Templin. The forest kindergarten would be happy if she could do an internship there, which would pave her way into teacher training. As Andrea Bartelt says, the facility is happy to have committed and motivated young people like Leonie.

Anyone who is also interested in a FÖJ has the option of contacting the daycare center director directly on 03987 409429. The FÖJ is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while supporting the environment.