The course took place on five dates at the climbing crag in Sonsbeck, where both theoretical and practical knowledge was taught. The project received financial support from the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer. This meant that the course could be offered for just 10 euros per participant.
"We offer the climbing course because it is also very valuable educationally. Children and young people who initially have no connection to each other get to know each other and learn to trust each other straight away," explains Cornelius Oschlies. After all, climbing is not just about how high you can get. The job of the person belaying is much more important. And this requires mutual trust.
"We also often use climbing exercises as a tool in addiction prevention. Climbing boosts self-confidence because participants learn new skills in a short space of time. They improve from course to course. They also have to take on enormous responsibility: The person belaying literally has the other person's life in their hands," says Tim Rambach.
Pupils aged 14 and over who attend grammar school or comprehensive school in Kevelaer were able to take part in five climbing course days. They learned how to belay, climb and lower themselves in the toprope. At the end of the course, they had to pass an exam and then received their DAV climbing certificate. "This is the first exam I've ever wanted to take!" says John, a participant on the climbing course. With the climbing certificate, the trained participants are not only allowed to climb, but also to belay other people.
"I see young people in particular, who often get into trouble in everyday life or have problems with concentration, really get into it on the climbing wall. The clear rules provide an important framework. The high level of responsibility that the young people are given quickly creates a sense of familiarity," adds Cornelius Oschlies.
Maria Kurowski, a social work student at the Kevelaer school social work department, was originally scheduled to be the driver, but then spontaneously decided to get a climbing license too. In the end, six participants held the climbing license in their hands. The climbing course will go into its third round next spring.