NextGen Buddies – Together we grow
What does it take to make a difference in a child’s life?
2-3 hours of commitment per week!
The buddy program NextGenBuddies – together we grow (formerly “Lernen macht Schule”) aims to promote educational justice. Every week, students meet with children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn together, do homework or simply spend time and talk together. All sides benefit: the children receive reference persons who promote their talents. Students broaden their horizons and learn to take on social responsibility.
NextGenBuddies – Together we grow
Learning from each other, growing together: Buddy program for children and young people
Learning from each other – growing together
Our buddy program offers students, children and young people the breeding ground to develop at all levels and to grow through valuable experiences.
A community of togetherness
NextGenBuddies combines education and social responsibility. We want all children to have the same educational opportunities, regardless of their background. Students who get involved as buddies recognize the importance of social commitment and actively contribute to more equal opportunities.
That’s what it’s all about
In Austria, education is strongly inherited. According to Statistics Austria, only about 9 percent of people whose parents have completed compulsory schooling at most achieve a university degree. In addition to the socio-economic status of the parents, whether and in what way the children are supported plays a role.
This is where NextGenBuddies comes in: Students become companions for children and young people from less privileged families. They meet weekly, help them to improve their school skills, discover their talents and strengthen their self-confidence. The students also benefit by getting to know new living environments and expanding their cultural and social skills. The exchange takes place at eye level. This makes NextGenBuddies unique in Austria!
The program is implemented together with the Center for Ethics and Poverty Research of the University of Salzburg (ZEA) and Caritas Salzburg.
