Expansion of STEM center with focus on virtual and augmented reality

The foundation has helped to provide additional equipment at the secondary school in Lovech which specializes in science. ZSPACE devices, cameras and corresponding software can be used to conduct tests and experiments using 3D images in augmented reality during mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM) lessons. This facilitates a new kind of interactive learning experience that can make science and technology lessons more engaging. 

Virtual STEM lab

With assistance from the foundation, the vocational college for transport engineering and electronics in Lovech expanded its existing equipment with stereo-scopic 3D laptops and corresponding software. This initiative also led to the creation of a virtual STEM laboratory, enabling multiple groups of students to engage with the technology simultaneously. This enhancement has made experiments with electrical circuits more realistic and illustrative than ever before.

Behind the scenes

The Bergische Agentur für Kulturlandschaft (BAK) acts as a link between agriculture and forestry, nature conservation, local authorities and specialist  organisations. It has set itself the task of overhauling the subject of agriculture as taught in schools. An interactive brochure on the topics explains the situation in the regional agriculture and its  dairy industry. 

Planting for the future

The aim of the Solawi (solidarity agriculture) farm collective project at Hermann-Voss-Realschule in Wipperfürth is to teach practical and theoretical knowledge in nutrition, local direct marketing, organic farming, vegetable cultivation and natural recycling processes to students through the school gardening club. The school garden, which had been unused for an extended period, is also being revitalized as part of this project.

Zukunftsschmiede Hückeswagen/Oberberg

The “Zukunftsschmiede” (Future Forge) is a small workshop at the vocational college in Hückeswagen, where additional courses can be held in the afternoon alongside normal lessons. The aim is to get young people interested in technology and the associated professions in a fun and experimental way. Thanks to funding from the foundation, the college has purchased additional equipment, allowing for an enhanced range of courses in digitalization, robotics, virtual reality and 3D technologies.

Performance by the Cologne Hospital Clowns at District hospital in Gummersbach

Since 2005, a duo from the Cologne Clinic Clowns has been visiting young patients at the children’s  hospital in Gummersbach once a week. The hospital clowns’ performances help to ease pain and anxiety and distract the children from everyday hospital  life. The performances are particularly beneficial for  traumatized children from war and crisis zones. The foundation supported with a one-off donation at a time when there was a reduction in small private donations. 

Barrier-free youth art school “Kunstbahnhof” – equipment

The Wipperfürth youth art school, “Kunstbahnhof”, run by the community foundation “Wir Wipperfürther” moved to new premises at Lüdenscheider Straße 21 in autumn 2021. The Hans Hermann Voss Foundation provided funding for the new equipment for the Kunstbahnhof. The premises and equipment were redesigned to be as accessible as possible for everbody. To expand the services available, in addition to the studio, dance and theater rooms, a workshop area was set up where students can also work with wood or metal, for example.

Running pleasure for young and old

Every year, the city run encourages young and old to lace up their running shoes and participate. All Wipperfürth schools participate in the community project of the Engelbert von Berg High School and the Leichtathletik Gemeinschaft Wipperfürth (Wipperfürth athletics). In addition, a charity run raises money for a non-profit cause. The Hans Hermann Voss Foundation above all supports the enjoyment of running for youth: Medals are awarded to everybody participating in the student and child runs, jerseys are given to the children, and the school with the most participants is also awarded.

Clarification, prevention and support at schools dealing with social media

The aim is to sensitize pupils to the social media. The focus is on education about opportunities and dangers (data misuse or cyber mobbing) as well as on prevention and support measures. The approach is to train youngsters in classes 7-9 to become media assistants, while at the same time providing a training program for teachers. Under the leadership of the Education Agency of the district Oberberg, together with the Gummersbach County Police Department and the district Youth Welfare Office as well as other organizations as co-operation partners, a structured, district-wide training offer was created, particularly focusing on the rural structures of the region. The organization is to secure the project by setting up a network and long-term collaboration with cooperation partners so that students are not only media assistants at their own school, but also act as multipliers for primary schools and trained media assistants.