Mission Statement Sprachhafen

Purpose and Professional Identity

Sprachhafen provides professionally grounded, respectful and reliable support for people in different life situations. Language, education, social participation and personal development are understood as interconnected areas. The aim is to strengthen existing abilities, enable self-determined action and develop sustainable prospects.

Human Dignity and Respect

Every person is treated with respect regardless of origin, language, religion, gender, sexual identity, social status, disability or migration and residence history. Personal biography, individual strengths and self-defined goals form the basis of cooperation. Discrimination, racism, violence and every form of exclusion are not accepted.

Language as a Foundation for Participation

Language enables education, social participation, professional development and personal independence. Language support is practical, action-oriented and tailored to each learner’s individual circumstances. In addition to language skills, Sprachhafen promotes learning competence, self-confidence and the ability to navigate everyday life, public authorities, educational institutions and the workplace.

Ambulatory Youth Welfare Support Based on Partnership

Within ambulatory youth welfare services, the rights, needs and development opportunities of young people are central. Support is respectful, transparent, strengths-based and provided with the participation of young people and their families. Assistance is integrated into everyday life and delivered within the agreed support-plan framework.

• Development of everyday living skills and independence
• Stabilisation in situations of personal or family stress
• Support in school, vocational training and employment
• Assistance with public authorities and social orientation
• Promotion of social relationships and meaningful leisure activities
• Preparation for an independent and responsible life
• Development of new prospects during crises, after discontinuation and when orientation is lacking

The responsibilities of those with parental authority, the Youth Welfare Office, a guardian and other involved bodies are respected. Decisions and important steps are coordinated transparently.

Support in the Context of Displacement and Migration

Young people with experiences of displacement or migration may face particular linguistic, social and legal challenges. Sprachhafen supports orientation within the German education, vocational training and support systems, language acquisition and the development of realistic educational and professional prospects. Experiences of displacement and migration are considered sensitively without defining people solely by their background or difficulties.

Education and Professional Prospects

Education and participation in working life are important foundations for a self-determined life. Goals are developed jointly, reviewed regularly and adjusted to realistic possibilities. Sprachhafen provides support particularly with the following steps:

• Stabilising school attendance and organising learning
• Career orientation and clarification of personal skills
• Searching for internships, vocational training and employment opportunities
• Preparing and revising CVs and application letters
• Preparing for interviews and selection procedures
• Communication with schools, training providers and employers
• Stabilisation after starting vocational training or employment
• Development of new prospects following rejection or discontinuation

Self-Determination and Empowerment

Support should not create long-term dependency. Existing abilities are strengthened and responsibility is transferred gradually. People receiving support are encouraged to represent their own interests, develop their own solutions and use available support services with increasing independence.

Participation and Transparency

Young people, families and participants receive clear information about the goals, content, boundaries and procedures of each service. Their wishes and feedback are taken seriously and included in planning. Concerns and complaints may be raised without fear of disadvantage. Internal and independent complaint procedures are explained clearly.

Safeguarding and Professional Boundaries

Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults is the highest priority. Indications of risk are taken seriously, assessed professionally, documented and addressed in accordance with applicable safeguarding procedures. Closeness and trust are important foundations of educational work. At the same time, personal, professional and legal boundaries are consistently maintained. Confidentiality applies within the legal and agreed framework.

Cooperation and Professional Networks

Sustainable support depends on reliable cooperation. Depending on the assignment, Sprachhafen works in particular with Youth Welfare Offices, guardians, families, schools, education providers, training organisations, employers, Jobcentres, Employment Agencies, counselling services, public authorities and medical or therapeutic professionals. Information is shared only to the extent required, legally permitted and agreed.

Professional Standards and Quality

Sprachhafen’s services are based on educational expertise, qualifications in language education, practical experience and continuous professional development. Regular reflection, supervision, documentation and transparent review of goals safeguard the quality of the work. The different service areas, particularly language courses, ambulatory youth welfare services and employment-support measures, are clearly separated in professional, legal, organisational and financial terms.