Students from IU International University of Applied Sciences in Augsburg are working to support children affected by homelessness through a hands-on project as part of their dual studies programme. The students, Saniya Kececi and Donjeta Zyrapi, both in their first year of Social Work, are managing a Bauwagen—a converted mobile activity space—dedicated to providing creative leisure activities for children living in transitional housing.
The initiative is a collaboration between the City of Augsburg, Prisma e.V., and the Evangelisches Kinder- und Jugendhilfezentrum. Since the beginning of October, Bauwagen have been set up in the Bärenkeller and Hochzoll-Süd neighbourhoods to offer accessible and low-threshold support to children from homeless families. Saniya Kececi and Donjeta Zyrapi are responsible for the Bauwagen located at Drosselweg in Bärenkeller.
The Bauwagen offers children aged five to thirteen a variety of playful, creative, and movement-oriented activities, alongside everyday support, all facilitated by social pedagogical professionals. The aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children can develop confidently and independently—a particularly important objective given the complex challenges faced by many homeless families.
The initiative not only benefits the children and families involved, but also gives the IU students valuable experience in applying their academic learning within the community. The project is supervised by IU professors Dr. Christian Thiel and Dr. Rebecca Schmolke.
This programme demonstrates the positive contribution that partnerships between universities, social organisations, and public agencies can make—building stronger communities and bringing essential support to those who need it most.
