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Young people from the Antonius Startbahn work school have built a “green classroom”. They implemented the planning independently – from sketches to organizing the materials.
Fulda – 16 young people in career orientation at the Startbahn work school have transformed their schoolyard into a new place of learning, as the community foundation “antonius: human together” reports. From August to October 2025, a barrier-free “Green Classroom” was created, which will in future serve as a flexible outdoor teaching and meeting space for around 20 learners.
At the official opening on Wednesday (April 22nd), students, supporters and those responsible for the project looked back on the construction phase together. “We worked a lot and learned a lot. And we achieved something great,” emphasized one student. Strauss employees and the management of Wemory GmbH, who had worked with the young people as part of side-change projects, also reported consistently positively.
Antonius work school opens “Green Classroom”
The project connects what is often separated: crafts, warehouse logistics as well as agriculture and horticulture. From the initial idea to implementation, the young people were involved in every step. They developed sketches and construction plans, calculated costs, organized materials and implemented the planning independently. Three teachers accompanied her.
The practical implementation was quite challenging: areas were prepared with an excavator, paving was laid, wooden benches were built, plant boxes were made and planted, and a massive board was installed. Instead of a pergola that was originally planned, a mobile tent now provides a flexible and economical roof. The barrier-free concept ensures that all students can use and actively shape the new learning location.
A central success factor was close cooperation with regional companies. They provided support with materials, specialist knowledge and personal guidance. The young people were given direct insights into real work processes – from cutting wood to earthworks and paving work to organizing construction processes. In addition to technical skills, key skills were specifically promoted: teamwork, reliability, resilience and self-organization under real conditions. At the same time, initial contacts were made with companies that could make it easier to get started with internships and training.
Headmistress Claudia Müller-Elskamp praised the young people's achievements and thanked the regional supporters: “Connection comes from doing things together.” Father Thomas, pastor at Antonius, also recognized the special importance of the new learning location: “I think this will be the most important classroom for the students. Because there is something of their own in here.”
The “Green Classroom” is designed to be permanent. It is used, maintained and further developed by the entire school community. The first events – including a parents’ evening – have already taken place on site. Further expansion steps, such as mobile wooden work tables, are planned.
People with disabilities lead self-determined lives with the help of antonius. This is also shown by a recently realized residential project: People with and without disabilities live next door to each other there – supported by neighborly help and, if necessary, by specialists.
