A strong mentoring programme for more equal opportunities

The nationwide mentoring programme "Balu und Du" (engl. "Baloo and you") has recently been successfully implemented at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam  The aim of the programme is to provide primary school children between the ages of six and ten (known as "Moglis") with individual support from volunteer young adults ("Balus") for one year. The tandems meet once a week for two to three hours in their free time - playing, discovering, talking or learning. These encounters not only support the children, but also offer the students a wide range of development opportunities.

With "Balu und Du", the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam utilises a practice-oriented interface between academic education and social commitment. Students experience pedagogical relationships at first hand, strengthen their social skills and acquire key qualifications such as empathy, intercultural sensitivity and problem-solving skills. They also gain insights into the scientific research accompanying the programme.

Scientific studies prove that "Balu und Du" significantly increases the educational opportunities of the participating children. Children from socio-economically disadvantaged families benefit in particular - the likelihood of them attending grammar school increases by up to 20 per cent after a year of mentoring. Social skills such as honesty, self-organisation and concentration also improve in the long term.

With its involvement in "Balu und Du", Potsdam University of Applied Sciences is sending a strong signal in favour of educational equality and actively promoting the so-called Third Mission - the contribution of universities to solving social challenges.