Ecumenical days of orientation: Help for young people under stress!

Ecumenical days of orientation: Help for young people under stress!

The concept of the Ecumenical Days of Orientation (TdO) is enjoying growing popularity among school classes from the 9th grade onwards. Markus Erdmann, an organizer of the TdO, explains that this initiative includes both Catholic and Protestant providers, including institutions such as “der Berg”, SOG Oberschwaben and the School Pastoral Center. Each provider brings its own profile and concept, which ensures a wide range of support for the students. Participation in the TdO is voluntary and is open to all students, regardless of their religious affiliation or denomination, as reported drs.de.

During the Ecumenical Days of Orientation, the topics are dealt with in a protected space that is created without pressure to perform. In small groups, the young people can think about relevant topics such as the meaning of life, dealing with fears or partner and sexuality. A team member is available for each group of eleven students to support and guide the process. The topics are determined during a school visit before the TdO, which enables targeted and appropriate processing.

Structure and process of the TdO

The TdO process is deliberately structured to meet the needs of the young people. The days begin with getting to know each other in plenary, followed by an experiential educational unit before the students concentrate on their chosen topic. The offerings also include spiritual sessions in the morning and evening. The employees who accompany the young people are emphasized as Christian people who try to bring Christian values ​​to life in everyday life bistum-eichstaett.de.

An important aspect of TdO is that conflicts are dealt with and topics such as friendship and partnership are addressed. The aim is to create an environment in which students recognize, appreciate and accept their strengths and weaknesses. The process-oriented methodology allows the young people to have a say in the content and course of the units.

The role of ecumenism

Ecumenical cooperation is of great importance for church school-related work in the region. Erdmann and his colleague Sabine Schmalzhaf have been working closely together for over three and a half years and are coordinating the first TdO communities together. This initiative is supported by the Church and School Network, a project of the Evangelical Church in Württemberg and the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, which promotes joint planning and actions.

Erdmann emphasizes that young people need a lot of guidance these days, especially in view of constant crises and the fast pace of the modern world. The church should act as a contact person that creates spaces in which young people can receive valuable support in finding their identity-forming paths.