AHA! – A project of the Mannheim education offensive

The city of Mannheim’s application for the federal programme „Learning on Site“ has been successful. Promoted by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research as well as the European Social Fund and supported by a foundation centre which is operating throughout Germany, the municipalities shall be able to provide more and better education and further education in all areas of life.

 During the project period until August 2012, activities will be initiated, supported and brought together by AHA!, a project of the Mannheim education offensive, which dedicate their efforts to one aim: from the diversity of educational offerings towards a jointly organised educational landscape. The establishment of an Advisory Board of Education under the direction of the Lord Mayor as well as annual education conferences are playing a key role. Supported by the Freudenberg Foundation and together with representatives from industry and science, education in Mannheim shall be understood and perceived as a joint task.

With a glance at the achievement of strategic goals of the city of Mannheim, AHA! particularly brought forward the intention to become a “good example for educational justice“. Besides the already existing educational offerings,

• decentralised educational counselling and consulting services for voluntary commitment are built up,
• comprehensive transition counselling at secondary schools is established,
• the contacts between business and school are offensively improved as well as
• the participation of parents of older children and adolescents is focussed in an exemplary way.
• And in addition: in cooperation with the Freudenberg Foundation a learning and support culture accompanying the biographies of pupils is established by “One Square Kilometre of Education - Education in the Square“.