Franziska’s career as an education worker began at an early age. At 16, she led her first groups as a youth group leader in the Protestant church in Saxony-Anhalt, where she grew up. While still studying religious and social education in Berlin, she trained as an experiential educator in order to pursue her passion for activity-oriented education with groups. After working as a consultant for the youth association of an aid organisation, she spent many years freelancing in youth and adult education. Particularly in the new federal states, she accompanied group processes in associations and clubs and promoted the social skills of young people. Sometimes in the seminar room, in the high ropes course or fully equipped for days on self-built rafts. After a brief professional excursion into accompanying refugees in the Federal Volunteer Service, she discovered her passion for democracy education during her previous work as a project coordinator and education officer for democracy and diversity at vocational schools in Brandenburg.

Young people in rural areas deal with different issues than people in urban areas. With the project ‘Left behind? Caught up! Young, Rural & Diverse’, young people can be given space for their individual development and to engage with issues affecting society as a whole and “democracy” can be strengthened. Belonging, participation, recognition and responsibility. Franziska sees these as important elements of life in communities and our democracy.

More information on the project ‘Left behind? Caught up! – young, rural & diverse’ project run by the VBLR and coordinated by the Andreas Hermes Akademie can be found here.