BIWAQ workshop on interior design for women in the a.l.s.o. wood workshop
"I never thought I could enjoy it so much"
Crafts can be fun - that was an important goal of a series of workshops for women in the wood workshop.
Under the expert guidance of carpenter Almut Holtz, the participants were introduced to manual activities step by step and succeeded in arousing curiosity and reducing insecurities.
With the topic of "upcycling", it was important to address the aspect of sustainability and resource conservation, a perspective that is very important to a.l.s.o. e.V. and the project as a whole:
Simple leftover pieces from dowel production - narrow wooden strips measuring 30 x 5 cm x 5 mm - were to be used to create useful and creative everyday objects.From small tea racks and wardrobes to decorative cupboards or games: Each participant developed her very own idea and put it into practice.
Over the course of the workshop, the participants gained a wide range of experience:
The basics of occupational safety and workshop work were taught
Own ideas were reflected upon and developed step by step into concrete plans.
Basic woodworking techniques - such as measuring, sawing, gluing and screwing - were introduced, practiced and implemented
Various surface treatment options were used, from sanding and oiling to creative coloring.
The event concluded with a small presentation of the products created, during which the participants proudly presented their results.
BIWAQ V - Language café - Learning to speak together
In June and July, ten participants took part in the language café, which was offered for the first time as part of BIWAQ V. Led by Vera Holzwarth, a lecturer at Schwäbisch Gmünd VHS, the participants spoke and practiced German in a relaxed atmosphere.
The aim of the participants was to speak German better in everyday life.
One important aspect was communication in the workplace. The focus was on actively entering into dialog and feeling more confident in the use of language. Mistakes were allowed. After all, you can learn a lot from mistakes and thus improve your language skills. The participants worked on words that are useful for their respective fields of work. Dialogues were practised in the workplace to prepare participants for typical situations, such as asking for a favor or giving advice. The participants also practiced small talk, which makes it easier for them to communicate in informal situations at work. Another aspect was speaking and understanding the time in both formal and informal settings. In order to take regional particularities into account, the participants learned Swabian time, whereby the focus here was only on understanding it.
The language café took place in the a.l.s.o. Café and offered a pleasant learning atmosphere in which learning was fun. This was evident from the participants' feedback. They found the choice of topics interesting and wished for more time to practise dialogues.
After the summer break, the language café will continue, at the request of the participants for one hour longer than before. Other everyday topics such as shopping, going to the doctor, kindergarten, housing, etc. will be covered.
When: 15.09. to 15.12.2025, Mondays, 1.15 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
For the first time, the BIWAQ V training program for household-related services Module 5 Everyday support and caregivers offered.
Carina Deutscher, a.l.s.o. Schwäbisch Gmünd, offered 14 participants a comprehensive introduction to working with older people from the end of April to the beginning of June. The aim was to give the participants an overview of the wide range of tasks involved in care and nursing so that they could expand their knowledge and acquire new skills.
The participants learned about various Professions in geriatric and nursing care know: Nursing professionals, geriatric care assistants and everyday care assistants. Carina Deutscher explained what tasks these professions involve and what qualifications are required for them.
One Excursion took the participants to the St. Loreto Institute for Social Professions in Schwäbisch Gmünd. There, the participants were able to gain an insight into training for care professions for the elderly and exchange ideas with trainees.
The participants dealt with frequent Diseases and restrictions in old age, such as dementia or strokes. Carina Deutscher explained how these illnesses affect quality of life and what special needs older people have.
Possible tasks of everyday companions and caregivers are, for example, accompanying people on walks, holding conversations and promoting independence. The aim is to support older people so that they can live as independently as possible. It became clear that everyday companions are a very important addition and support for care professionals and a relief for relatives.
Communication: The participants learned that, according to the four-ear model, a statement can have four different messages. Carina Deutscher vividly demonstrated how to build a good relationship with people in need of care by taking this communication model into account, active listening, empathy and clear language. Practical exercises helped participants to better understand what they had just learned.
The everyday support/caregiver module consisted of ten sessions: Five dates alternated between theory and practice and five dates between a German course was given by Vera Holzwarth from the Gmünd VHS. Here, the participants prepared the specialist vocabulary for each topic. The specialist theory with practice took place in training rooms at a.l.s.o., while the German course was held in the BIWAQ training room at Unipark.
Module 5 Everyday companionship and caregivers provided participants with valuable insights into this field of activity through the combination of specialist theory and practical exercises. This is also evident from the feedback. Six of the 14 participants can actually imagine accompanying elderly people in their everyday lives in the future. Five participants see this as a possible field of activity for themselves. Even though the technical vocabulary was challenging for some, everyone was very satisfied with the training. As in the previous training modules, the participants benefited from the alternation between the preparatory German course and the specialist theory with practice.
The training program for household-related services continues: Module 1 on environmental protection with Ilka Fiebig (GOA) has just taken place for the third time. Due to the high level of interest, Module 5 on everyday support and caregivers will start again after the summer vacations on 17.09.2025 under the direction of Carina Deutscher (a.l.s.o.). In order to do justice to the extensive topics, this time the module will run over a longer period (10 weeks).
On Monday mornings, there are lessons in technical theory with practice. All modules have an accompanying German course on Wednesday mornings, in which Vera Holzwarth prepares the technical vocabulary with the participants.
17.07.2025
Vera Holzwarth
Job application training for German learners
From January to February 2025, 13 participants worked on their applications for an internship. The BIWAQ application training took place in cooperation with the VHS German course Bildungsjahr.
The German course Bildungsjahr covers the topics of practical vocational German, political education, IT basics and digitalization as well as career orientation. A central component is a five-week work placement. The aim of the educational year is the professional integration of the participants.
Guided and supported by Vera Holzwarth, who works as a BIWAQ project employee at the Gmünd VHS, and in coordination with Radka Effenberger, VHS lecturer during the educational year, the BIWAQ training course enabled participants to improve their application documents and prepare for possible job interviews. The participants prepared their application documents on seven dates:
They initially focused on the content and structure of their CV and cover letter as well as the correct choice of words. The participants then corrected spelling, grammar and punctuation using both the computer's auto-correction function and with each other's help. This was followed by the finishing touches, namely a uniform font and font size, line spacing and sensible paragraphs.
The preparation of lists of important technical terms for the respective activities in the internship and the creation of the template for the internship diary on the computer rounded off the application training and prepared for the internship.
The participants were very interested and motivated. Using their application documents, they independently looked for internships at various companies and institutions in Schwäbisch Gmünd and were successful. All of them were able to complete an internship.
The additional job application training provided the participants with important knowledge for their applications. The lecturer's extensive professional experience in the field of career guidance enabled her to provide tailored support for this important step towards professional integration.
08.04.2025, Vera Holzwarth
Review: "Household-related services" modules 2 and 3
Training in household-related services
Module 2 and 3: Cleaning/hygiene and nutrition
Following the first successful run of the BIWAQ V training programme for household-related services with the modules on environmental protection, cleaning/hygiene, nutrition and digitalization, the second run started at the beginning of December 2024. The cleaning/hygiene and nutrition modules took place again from the beginning of January to mid-March.
In the training Cleaning/hygiene the participants learned about professional cleaning techniques under the guidance of Martina Zach from the vocational preparation center in Ruppertshofen:
The four-color system enables clear allocation of cleaning utensils and areas.
Effective cleaning results can be achieved and resources conserved thanks to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance and the correct dosage of cleaning agents.
Practical cleaning of windows and sanitary areas
Special cleaning techniques for stainless steel surfaces and refrigerators
The training Nutrition led by Christel Steiner, lecturer at the Gmünd VHS, aimed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge about various aspects of nutrition.
Knowledge from nutritional science is necessary to ensure the body's composition and functions. For example, the body needs water for metabolism, carbohydrates for energy consumption and calcium for bone formation.
The consideration of different food groups such as fruit, vegetables, cereals, proteins and fats contributes to a balanced diet.
The food labeling on the packaging, such as ingredients, nutritional values, allergens and the best-before date, must be read and interpreted correctly.
Various household techniques and appliances were taught in a very practical way during the preparation of a Pfitzauf, as well as the ergonomic design of the workplace in order to be able to work efficiently and safely.
Both the cleaning/hygiene module and the nutrition module consisted of eight sessions: each module alternated between four sessions of specialist theory and four sessions of German course Vera Holzwarth from the Gmünd VHS organized the course. Here, the participants prepared the specialist vocabulary for each topic and dealt with other content such as communication in the workplace.
Feedback from the participants showed that, as in the first round of the training program, they benefited from the alternation between the preparatory German course and the specialist theory.
The specialist theory of Module 2 Cleaning/Hygiene and Module 3 Nutrition took place in training rooms at a.l.s.o., the German course was held in the BIWAQ training room at Unipark.
Modules 2 and 3 were a great success. By combining practice-oriented content and language support, they provided participants with valuable knowledge and skills that not only broadened their career prospects, but also contributed to a more conscious approach to cleaning/hygiene and nutrition in everyday life.
The range of training courses on household-related services continues: Module 4 on digitalization is currently taking place with Sami Ehlhardt (Schwäbisch Gmünd Technical Academy). At the end of April, the new Module 5 Everyday Support and Caregivers will start under the direction of Carina Deutscher, lecturer at a.l.s.o.
On Monday mornings, modules 4 and 5 include lessons in technical theory and on Wednesday mornings, the preparation of technical vocabulary in the accompanying German course with Vera Holzwarth.
27.03.2024
Vera Holzwarth
Review: "Household-related services" Module 4
Training in household-related services
Module 4: Introduction to computers and digital possibilities
In September 2024, six participants successfully completed the fourth module of the BIWAQ V training course "Household-related services" entitled "Introduction to the use of computers and digital possibilities". Under the direction of Vera Holzwarth from the Gmünd VHS and Sami Ehlhardt from the Schwäbisch Gmünd Technical Academy, the participants were introduced to the world of computers and digital applications on a total of eight dates.
The course was divided into two coordinated phases: Language and practice, which were carried out alternately. Vera Holzwarth taught the most important terms and language basics in the accompanying German course, which could then be applied directly in the practical part with Sami Ehlhardt.
In order to tailor the content specifically to the needs of the participants, various topics were presented in a separate session. The participants then selected together which topics should be covered in the course.
The topics covered included:
Necessary hardwareKeyboard, screen, mouse and power supply unit.
Folder structure: Basics of file organization.
Basics in Word and ExcelCreation and editing of texts and tables.
Internet and Internet securitySecure use of the web and protection of personal data.
Learning with YouTubeUse of the platform for further education.
Dealing with job portalsApplication and job search online.
AI chat programs such as ChatGPT: Safe handling of artificial intelligence and the diverse possibilities of such tools.
The aim was to teach participants how to use computers safely and highlight the benefits and risks of digital applications. At the same time, they were given strategies for continuing their own education and using digital tools efficiently.
The participants showed great interest, were actively involved and benefited from the structured alternation between language and practical units. This combination proved to be particularly effective in successfully absorbing and applying the course content. The training program will also be continued in 2025, with new modules and
Review: "Household-related services" Module 3
Training in household-related services
Module 3: Nutrition
At the end of July 2024, 13 participants completed the third module of the BIWAQ V "Household-related services" training course on nutrition.
The training course on nutrition, led by Christel Steiner, lecturer at the Gmünd VHS, aimed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge on various aspects of nutrition.
The participants first learned about the components of the body: Water (approx. 65% of the body), protein (15-20%), fat (4-20%) as well as minerals and carbohydrates. In order to ensure the body's composition and its functions, knowledge from nutritional science is required, which the participants acquired or deepened. For example, the body needs water for metabolism, carbohydrates for energy consumption and calcium for bone formation. With an overview of the different food groups such as fruit, vegetables, cereals, proteins and fats, the participants looked at a balanced diet and how they can integrate it into their everyday lives. Food labeling was also an interesting topic. Here, the participants learned how to correctly read and interpret the information on food packaging, such as the list of ingredients, the nutritional value table and the allergen labeling. For example, food may still be sold, given away and consumed after the best-before date has passed. This is no longer permitted once the expiry date has passed. The common units of measurement and basic quantities in nutrition as well as practical tips for seasonal, regional and sustainable shopping were covered. Christel Steiner pointed out food sharing and the unpackaged store in Schwäbisch Gmünd, from where food for the practice-oriented course was sourced. The preparation of baked potatoes rounded off the course. Various household techniques and appliances were presented. Participants were given instructions on how to use kitchen appliances and how to design their workstation ergonomically in order to work efficiently and safely.
The participants prepared themselves linguistically for the four sessions of specialist theory with a German course, which Vera Holzwarth from the Gmünd VHS also gave on four dates.
As in the first two training modules, environmental protection and nutrition, the participants in the nutrition training module also benefited from alternating between specialist theory and a German course. Both took place in the BIWAQ training rooms at Unipark.
The training was a great success and provided valuable insights into the various aspects of nutrition. The participants were very interested. The newly acquired and deepened knowledge will help them to make healthier and more conscious decisions in their everyday lives. They were also motivated by the fact that their knowledge could increase their job opportunities in the household-related services sector.
The training continues in September with module 4: Sami Ehlhardt (Technische Akademie Schwäbisch Gmünd) will take turns with the technical theory and Vera Holzwarth (Gmünder VHS) with the accompanying German course on the topic of digitalization.
In November, the Gmünd VHS, a.l.s.o. and TA Schwäbisch Gmünd will start a second round of the "Household-related services" training course with the four modules environmental protection, cleaning and hygiene, nutrition and digitalization.
Vera Holzwarth
Creative shop window campaign
In Schwäbisch Gmünd, committed tradespeople have dedicated themselves to a special project within the framework of BIWAQ V - ZEIT (Bildung, Wirtschaft, Arbeit im Quartier V - Zeitenwandel, Einheit, Integration, Teilhabe), which includes the Promotion of retail trade in the city center or Altstadt has as its goal. Through the artistic design of shop windows with floral motifs is intended to increase the attractiveness of the stores, draw in more customers and thus increase the local economy in the BIWAQ area be supported.
Katja Gatter, known under her Artist name "Paula Louida" and solo self-employed in the Altstadt, led the creative design of the shop windows. Numerous SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), including the Gmünder Reisecenter, the hairdressing salon Haarlekin, Andrea Perdomo's and Claudia Schreier's beauty studios, the bakery Thorwart and Heinz Lochmann Filmtheater Betriebe GmbH TP Schwäbisch Gmünd, were enhanced by the artistic painting. Inga Adam, project manager of BIWAQ V - ZEIT at the city's business development agency, adds: "Window painting makes smaller stores more visible not only to customers, but also to potential new employees. Of course, aesthetics also play a role."
The entire city benefits from this project by contributing to the Securing and creating jobs in the retail and trade sectors. The increased customer frequency leads to a Revitalization of the storeswhich in turn boosts the local economy and secures jobs. A stable economy in Gmünd city center also has a positive effect on surrounding districts such as Oststadt or Hardt. This also makes the BIWAQ V project visible to potential skilled workers and shows that Schwäbisch Gmünd is an attractive location for career opportunities.
The "ZEIT" project is funded as part of the "BIWAQ V" program by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction and the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus).
Shop window painting in Schwäbisch Gmünd For the image rights: Office for Media and Communication Schwäbisch GmündWindow painting at the Traumpalast in Schwäbisch Gmünd For the image rights: Office for Media and Communication Schwäbisch Gmünd
Review: "Household-related services" Module 2
Training in household-related services
Module 2: Cleaning and hygiene
At the beginning of July 2024, 13 participants completed the second module on cleaning and hygiene of the BIWAQ V training course "Household-related services".
Under the guidance of Martina Zach from Berufsvorbereitungswerk Ostalb, the participants dealt with professional cleaning techniques. The training covered the four-color system, which enables a clear allocation of cleaning utensils and areas. Other topics included the Hazardous Substances Ordinance and the correct dosage of cleaning agents in order to achieve effective cleaning results and conserve resources. The cleaning of windows and sanitary areas was demonstrated in a practical way. Special cleaning techniques for stainless steel surfaces were also presented and refrigerator cleaning was covered.
The participants prepared for the four sessions of specialist theory in a.l.s.o. training rooms by attending a German language course, which Vera Holzwarth from the Gmünd VHS also gave on four dates in the Unipark.
The participants took part in the training with interest and commitment and were able to deepen their knowledge of cleaning techniques. The training showed that effective cleaning not only contributes to cleanliness, but also to health and safety in the workplace.
The training continues: Module 3 on nutrition will run until the end of July 2024 under the direction of Christel Steiner (lecturer at the Gmünd VHS) and Module 4 on digitalization with Sami Ehlhardt (Schwäbisch Gmünd Technical Academy) will begin in September. On Monday mornings, there will be lessons in technical theory and on Wednesday mornings Vera Holzwarth will prepare the technical vocabulary in the accompanying German course.
25.07.2024
Vera Holzwarth
Successful start: "Picnic in the university park"
On Sunday, July 21, 2024the city of Schwäbisch Gmünd and its cooperation partners hosted a special event in the Unipark from 10 am to 3 pm: The "Picnic in the Unipark" as part of the "BIWAQ V - ZEIT (Zeitenwandel - Einheit - Integration - Teilhabe)" project. This was the first time a picnic of this kind was held in Unipark and was well received by the people of Gmünd.
Quite freely according to the Motto "Experience, enjoy, chill out" guests could look forward to a wide-ranging program from actors from Oststadt and Altstadt. Program highlights included the StarkMacherMobil of the youth art school, sponsored by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation, and a boules tournament for young and old. The Staufersaga e.V. was also involved: Gundi Mertens and her Gewandmeisterei team worked with children on site to create a "Patchwork picnic blanket"Gmünd's only sarwürker (chain mail smith) showed his art and Ursel Elrefaey, Hilde Bergander and Grete Thomas held a flea market with all kinds of jewelry and other garment mastery collectibles. Oriental dancer Denise Fürstenau also put her art on display. Christa Bareiß, head of the district work department, explained how local wild plants can be used. As part of the funding project "We shape our commons - local encounters", visitors to the picnic were able to make their own herbal salt or blossom sugar from dried herbs and flowers. The culinary offerings from restaurateurs "Oh Mother" and Sifirbir as well as volunteer cooks were also well received by the guests.
The organizers of the project, Inga Adam (project management BIWAQ V - ZEIT) and Jörg Imle (district coordinator Oststadt) draw a positive balance: "For a first attempt and considering the weather, we are satisfied with the number of participants. The picnic also brought together people from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, with or without a history of migration, and raised awareness of the participating restaurateurs' offerings." The city of Schwäbisch Gmünd is one of 47 municipalities nationwide that took part in the fifth funding period of the federal and EU project BIWAQ (Education, Economy, Work in the Neighborhood). In Schwäbisch Gmünd, BIWAQ V - ZEIT is to be implemented from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026, primarily in Oststadt, Hardt and Altstadt. The project is being implemented under the leadership of the municipal economic development department in cooperation with the Office for Family and Social Affairs as well as the Gmünd Adult Education Center, the Technical Academy and a.l.s.o. e.V. The "ZEIT" project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction and the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) as part of the "BIWAQ V" programme.
