The Mühlenberg neighbourhood at Hannover’s outskirts counts as a “problematic” part of the town. It is inhabited predominantly by people who immigrated from other countries. Mühlenberg hosts also a percentage of Bulgarians who are often new to the town. As EU members, they are free to move here and seek work. Knowing of the special need of this group, we set up a course for Bulgarians with missing skills in writing and reading.
The group started in September 2018. Classes are held once a week, on Friday, from 11:30 to 14:00.
Usually there are about 12 people attending, some in the age bracket of 25-35, other around 50 or older. They either are occupied in some low skilled occupation e.g. in the cleaning sector, or they are family mothers seeing after their children whilst the other spouse is out for work.
The level of literacy they currently have is very diverse. Some have problems writing the letters of the alphabet of their home country (Bulgaria) correctly. Others are relatively fluent in reading and writing Bulgarian but need get acquainted to the Latin script.
The group is well-established, with a very nice and friendly atmosphere, strongly supported by the teacher, Mrs. G. L. who had experience with members of the group from German classes she had been organising for them. As part of our project, she attended three different short term training seminars for literacy teachers (three weekends). VHS Hannover's Adult Literacy Center accompanies the process e.g. with advice regarding textbooks to use, and methodology.
The course will continue through to July 2019.
