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Funding program enables successful qualification in social and health sectors / Project will be continued using own funds in the future
As the City of Darmstadt announced, the graduates of the "Social Economy Integrated – SoWirt's" honored on Tuesday (9th) in cooperation with the Darmstadt-Dieburg district. Mayor Barbara Akdeniz and the district's social affairs officer, Christel Sprößler, recognized the women and men who successfully completed their training in the fields of nursing, health, or education.
Successful qualification for people with a migration and refugee background
The collaborative project between the city and the district aims to enable people with a migration or refugee background to access qualified vocational training and to secure their long-term professional integration. The initiative is coordinated by BAFF-Frauen-Kooperation gGmbH and funded by the Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs (HSMI) .
Vocational schools, clinics, care facilities and daycare centers from the region are participating in the training, supported by the Darmstadt Job Center and the district employment agency.
Project will continue – despite the expiration of state funding
Mayor Akdeniz emphasizes the positive impact of the initiative:
"SoWirt's is more effective than any other measure in combating the shortage of skilled workers and professionals in the social and health sector and has been achieving excellent results for years."
However, since the state funding program expires at the end of 2025, the city and district have decided to continue SoWirt's under the same name using their own funds . Future financing will come from the training and qualification budget.
Reached more than 280 participants
Since the project started in 2018, over 280 people have been supported , significantly more than originally planned.
Over 70 participants have since obtained a vocational qualification. In 2025 alone, 21 qualifications achieved – including:
- four secondary school leaving certificates
- five qualifications as geriatric care assistants
- five qualifications as nursing assistants
- four state-certified nursing professionals
- a qualification as a dental assistant
- a qualification as an additional pedagogical staff member
- a passed examination to become a kindergarten teacher
Currently, 86 people being supported in the project, including 45 trainees and 12 participants in the secondary school qualification program.
Attracting skilled workers – opening up opportunities
Social Affairs Officer Sprößler emphasizes the importance of the project:
Many dedicated people with a migration background lack sufficient formal qualifications, even though they are particularly well-suited for professions in nursing or education. SoWirt's creates access opportunities here – a benefit for participants and the labor market alike.
Mayor Akdeniz added:
“This year’s graduates impressively demonstrate their motivation and talent. With the right support, a successful graduation is possible even under difficult circumstances.”
The project thus makes an important contribution to social integration and to securing urgently needed skilled workers in nursing, health and education.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip)
