New qualified parent mentors will support immigrant parents in the future
18.11.2022 – 26 new parent mentors from six nations will strengthen Offenbach's parent education program "ELMO - Eltern lernen mit in Offenbach". On Tuesday, they received their certificates from Mayor Sabine Groß in the town hall after two months of training.
"Especially in these difficult times, parent mentors are reliable contacts for immigrant families who otherwise have little access to advice and information due to language and cultural barriers," emphasized Groß in her speech.
In future, the newly qualified parent mentors will accompany families with children between the ages of two and ten through regular home visits with the Caritas Association, the German Red Cross and the International Federation. They will have plenty of suggestions for everyday family life and show parents how they can actively support their children's development. They listen to parenting questions and provide information about kindergarten and school in Germany. On excursions with other ELMO families, they explore child-friendly places in Offenbach together and make new friends. "Their work not only promotes the healthy upbringing of children, but also improves the educational and participation opportunities of immigrant children," said Groß, praising the women's commitment.
ELMO started eleven years ago as a model project of the Netzwerk Elternschule OF and has since been funded and professionally supported by the Youth Welfare Office of the City of Offenbach to the tune of 180,000 euros annually.