From Cologne, Germany to Salmon, Work Experience!

I came across Salmon the first time when I was applying for internships in London. I am a student from Germany in the 10th grade but since we have a flat from a relative, I thought about doing my work experience here in London. This turned out as a great idea which I put a lot of work and effort into. Every rejection lead me further to my goal of doing the work experience in London. When I applied here, I wanted to extend my knowledge in helping children, my English skills and help with the fascinating combinations of making children feel seen with sports, games, art and authentic talks. But it turned out to be more than that because I really learned, that for many kids Salmon is like their second home. I noticed that it is a safe space for them where they just have fun and can be themselves. Whether quiet or loud, sporty or creative.

My tasks at Salmon have been really different because I got to do a lot of creative things, but I also got to spend much time with the children that come to Salmon. My creative tasks consisted of thinking what I would do with the kids if I ran a Youth Club myself. In addition, I created several flyers to help to make information for parents clearer. I also tried to think of different ideas how to use some rooms otherwise, which was actually fun because I could live out my creativity and didn’t have a limit. I also did the reception and the welcoming of new kids. I helped wherever I could with preparing rooms for sessions, sorting coats which were given to the parents for their children for free and making sure cups and drinks were ready for the children while they eat. I attended staff meetings which was really interesting because every week the team would make sure to safeguard rightly and that the children are okay.

Additionally, I helped a lot in the art room with a project against knife crime. It was quite interesting and I found myself thinking more of the problem and questioning things. Many people who came to Salmon were truly interested in the project against knife crime. I carved paper bags, printed photos out and painted on suitcases and I especially enjoyed assisting Eugene with it.

During my two and a half weeks here, I’ve discovered that language (especially with the toddlers) really doesn’t matter because your nationality and languages skills are unimportant to them. I learned and saw with my own eyes that Salmon somehow is a place where the children and teenagers love to go. Especially during the 6-11s club on Thursdays many children would keep telling me that Salmon is their favourite place and that they love being there. I think that that is because they feel heard and seen. Everyone knows that they are welcome and at Salmon each person is valued.

Overall, I had a great time where I learned how to make children feel safer, build up strenght and be engaged in a real community. But it was more then just that, I got to know some children really well and while playing with them, doing arts or just talking I made some amazing connections. At Salmon there is a great team behind every lesson, and I can say that I am thrilled to have learned from them.