School social work describes a complex concept embedded in a multi-layered practice that is provided by very
ambitious protagonists on various levels. This Comenius Regio project of Berlin-Neukölln and Graz would not have
been possible without the commitment of these protagonists for the target groups of school social work. It was the
“common denominator” of the project. Objectives, concepts and implementation strategies of school social work
turned out to be different and yet similar in these two regions – „same same, but different“ was a familiar quotation
throughout the project. Looking beyond the fence of one’s own backyard garden was an interesting challenge – but
one that all involved parties embraced with increasing enthusiasm.
By describing where each of us stands (status quo) and carefully defining the relevant terms and expressions, we
were able to initiate a valuable exchange of information about specific subjects of school social work, identifying
strong points, weak points, challenges and perspectives. Both partners benefitted greatly from this exchange of
information.
In Graz / Styria, the “school social work in Styria” concept progressed enormously during these two years, not
least due to the motivation provided by this Comenius project. Today, it provides the basis of our future work and
activities. In Berlin-Neukölln, the mode and intensity of co-operation of quite different protagonists reached a new
quality level. Best practice examples from Graz and Neukölln were collected, and based on them the participants
from the regions defined key processes on the strategic and operative level.
The prerequisites for the success of this project are not only the subject-specific know-how and the commitment
of the protagonists, but also the development of an intensive working relationship based on openness, trust and
mutual appreciation. We wish to thank all project partners most cordially for their very personal contribution to this
and the resulting friendships.
Gerrit Taucar
& Cordula Simon
Provincial Government of Styria
District office of Neukölln / Berlin
Department of Society and Diversity
Commissioner for Europe
Foreword
