Ajse Selmanova is currently training as a childcare specialist at LIPSCHULE. She is acquiring a wide range of skills that enable her to help the children in her care develop their language, mental and motor skills as well as their personality and social behavior. In a personal interview, she gave us an insight into her everyday work.
Ms. Selmanova, why did you choose this career path?
It has to do with my family background. When I was growing up, I took on responsibility for my younger siblings and helped to raise them. Even then I found this task very satisfying, which is why I decided at the age of 13 that one day I would train as a childcare specialist.
How far along are you in your training?
I am currently in my third and final year of training.
What do you particularly like and dislike about your future profession?
I particularly like the fact that I can accompany and positively influence the children and young people entrusted to us on their way into adult life. At the LIPSCHULE, we use a solution-oriented approach to ensure that they mature into responsible individuals. On the other hand, I find it a bit of a shame that doing chores are sometimes neglected because they play a secondary role in my work schedule. If I had more time for this, it would give me more opportunities for the occasional necessary retreat. In addition, a well-sorted environment also serves as an orientation aid for the children and young people.
What are your plans for after graduation?
First, I would like to gain additional professional experience. Although I have already been professionally involved in the care and education of children for eight years, before I started my training, they were mostly in the toddler stage. That’s why it’s important for me to be able to apply my newly acquired knowledge in greater depth once I’ve graduated. After that, however, I would like to continue my education to be able to do my job even better. I may study social pedagogy, but I may also consider something else.
What differences do you see between public school and an institution like LIPSCHULE, and what do you think that means for the students?
For me, the big difference is that freedom of expression is actively encouraged at LIPSCHULE. And that’s not all: the input of the children and young people is also taken seriously. This creates a relationship at eye level, thanks to which they are much more willing to take responsibility for their school goals.