Over these bridges you may cross

In the spring of this year the company Biochem in Lohne (Lower Saxony) and the school administration office together with interim managers from LvO set up a competition with this title. The aim of the competition was to invite special needs schools and learning centres in the region to submit their ideas and concepts, or to develop new models for a good transition of special needs pupils to the working world. Sponsor Biochem awarded generous cash prizes for the best concepts. The medium-sized company has already been supporting the Janusz-Korczak School with significant funds and equipment for twelve years. Now Biochem wished to extend the sponsoring to other special needs schools in the district and in particular, to draw the subject of transition management into focus.

Six schools and independent organisations entered the competition and submitted their concepts, so that the jury, consisting of representatives from the sponsor, the state school authority, state youth and education authority and LvO, were spoilt for choice. The decision was difficult as all concepts were distinguished by their innovation and practical relevance.

All competition participants were invited to the prize ceremony on 09.08.2011 and had the opportunity to present their ideas. The Chief Councillor expressed her sincere thanks for the generous cash prizes as 1st place had a prize of 7500 € and the 2nd place 5000 €. The most convincing concept was submitted by "Biberburg" special education centre in Anklam (photo from left to right, Chief Councillor, Dr Barbara Syrbe, Sponsor Eckard Thölke, Irina Kretzmer, Volker Abromeit and Astrid Parlow), while the Korczak School Wolgast and the Kleeblatt School, Anklam (cooperative concept) and special needs school "Am Park", Behrenhoff shared 2nd prize.