The story of Senta, mentor

My name is Senta Walker-Nederkoorn, I live in Bürglen, and during my studies I focused on special education, German studies, and theater. Later, I lived and worked abroad with my husband and our three now-adult daughters as a diplomatic chaperone.
The concept of home has preoccupied me for many years. What does it take to feel at home somewhere, to truly arrive? Personally, in the countries where I've lived over the past thirty years, an interest in the people and cultures has been important to me. Learning the local language, guided by dedicated teachers, made it easier for me to cope with feelings of alienation, loneliness, and being lost in the unknown, and to build a meaningful connection to a country and its people. This intercultural experience led me, after our retirement, to contact the Association Equilibre to become a mentor.
The idea of ​​supporting women with refugee backgrounds during their vocational training, contributing to their integration and thus to their (also financial) independence, fascinates me. I see my work as a mentor as a way of thanking all those people who welcomed and accompanied me in new, unfamiliar places. They have made the world a more humane place. The Association Equilibre also does this, in a magnificent way, with its projects.
One morning a week, I assist a staff member from KoKoTé with teaching materials science and industry knowledge. Together with the three students, we review their notes from the previous school day. The material is summarized, simplified, and the understanding of the content within a broader context is explored. Terms are explained, tables and diagrams are discussed, and exams are prepared and reviewed. The process is very relaxed and creative. We learn from each other. Each of us has our own background, which shapes our perspective on the world. Learning together in a familiar setting broadens our viewpoints. Listening to and understanding one another becomes easier. It's always wonderful when someone's eyes light up: "Aha, now I understand!"