Numerous representatives of the partner institutions and committed citizens came together at the K5 youth center in Mönchengladbach-Giesenkirchen for the kick-off event of the new MINT in Mind project. The model project, which focuses on promoting STEM subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology), is being implemented in cooperation with the Faculty of Children, Youth and Family of the City of Mönchengladbach, the Support Association for Culture & Education in Giesenkirchen, The Hochschule Niederrhein (A.U.G.E. Institute and Faculty of Food and Nutrition Sciences) and JuniorUni Mönchengladbach.

To kick off the event, Volker and Max Brücher from Brüchers Hofladen planted ten apple and pear trees in the K5 garden. District Head East Volker Küppers was enthusiastic: "This model project shows how STEM topics can be taught to young people in an interesting and practical way."

The project aims to promote an intergenerational exchange of knowledge, with older and younger members of the community bringing their experience and skills together to pass on STEM knowledge in a lively way.

Thomas Patalas, founder of the support association, explains: "The extracurricular transfer of knowledge and skills from older people to younger people hardly takes place anymore, yet this was essential for discovering one's own talents and strengths: Am I handy with a screwdriver, do I like working in the garden or do I prefer working with numbers? With this integrative project, we want to reactivate this and invite older citizens from the Giesenkirchen district to take part."

Mayor Hajo Siemes, who actively supports the project, was also positive: "For 30 years, I've only been growing vegetables from my own garden. That's why I'm also very enthusiastic about this project and am happy to pass on my experience to the children and young people."

With its large outdoor area and kitchen, the K5 in Giesenkirchen offers ideal conditions for the model project, which is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the city of Mönchengladbach. A learning garden is to be created, and a greenhouse will be built under the expert guidance of farmers and senior citizens in order to teach young people STEM subjects in a practical way and bring topics such as food technology and sustainability to life. The harvested produce is later processed together and is also used at events and in childcare.

Further collaborations with the JuniorUni Mönchengladbach are planned for the future in order to expand the project with didactic concepts on digitalization and sustainability - for example in the form of a "smart greenhouse".

The MINT in Mind project thus not only focuses on knowledge transfer, but also literally lays roots for the future.