Why I want to support schools in my region

Receiving support and passing it on

In 1992, at twelve, I moved from former East Germany to Upper Franconia in Bavaria. Before leaving school, I did not yet know where my path would lead. A neighbouring farmer supported me and connected me with the company where I trained as a machine mechanic. That opportunity later became part of an international career.

Since my daughter started school, I have been involved in the parents’ council. I want to pass on support without choosing a child’s path for them. My second educational route led from vocational training through a university entrance qualification alongside military service to studies in Mannheim and a Northumbria University bachelor’s degree in 2009.

Personal experience and open questions

For schools, I offer talks with open discussion: the route from an apprenticeship to university, working life and family as a German Armed Forces soldier, and life as a German soldier during my three-and-a-half-year NATO assignment at Holloman AFB in New Mexico. We can also explore how that experience influenced my later international career. Children’s questions are an essential part. We agree the topic, age group, duration and group size together.

There is no fee for regional school visits in Bavaria. We agree any travel costs and materials beforehand. Personal one-to-one guidance after school and support for parents remain separate services under the existing youth terms.

With the planned foodtruck, I would also like to prepare burgers with children and sell them affordably in the school playground, donating the proceeds to an agreed good cause. Once the truck is ready, the idea can be developed with a school.

English website adaptation of the German LinkedIn post · 10 October 2026