More events - increasing demand
In 2025, a total of 56 prevention events were held at schools. This is two more than in the previous year and seven more than in 2023. Although the average number of participants per event has fallen slightly - mainly because classes are getting smaller - the offer continues to reach many young people overall.
The increase in demand from vocational schools is particularly striking. Significantly more classes were attended there than in previous years.
More intensive formats are well received
The two-day "Bank and Youth" project was particularly popular: with ten events, it was booked twice as often as in the previous year. "The advantage is obvious: more time makes it possible to convey content in a more understandable and sustainable way. This means that important information is better remembered," explained Hönes.
Focus on particularly vulnerable target groups
One current focus is on classes without school-leaving qualifications. These groups are considered difficult to reach, while at the same time the risk of over-indebtedness later on is particularly high. "A low level of education often leads to a lower income - and therefore a higher financial risk. This is precisely where prevention work comes in," Hönes noted.
Active participation instead of frontal teaching
To ensure that the content really gets across, debt prevention relies on active participation. Pupils work independently, exchange ideas in groups and learn using various methods.
New in 2025: an interactive quiz via the "Kahoot" platform. The young people take part via smartphone, the results are displayed directly and then discussed together. This makes learning clear and motivating.
Proven project with further development
Debt prevention started back in 2007 as a joint project between various partners in the district. The offer was later expanded to include vocational schools. Since 2020, the prevention work has been fully funded by the district.
Schools can choose from four different modules - depending on the type of school, time budget and thematic focus.
Individual support is becoming increasingly important
Youth debt counseling is also increasingly being used. More young people are finding their way to individual counseling via school social work. This service has been available since 2021 and helps young people to manage their own finances independently in the long term.
Through personal discussions and practical exercises, young people learn to keep track of their spending. Thanks to quick appointments, problems can often be identified and solved at an early stage.
Debt prevention in the district continues to develop positively. With more services, new methods and a targeted approach, it is reaching more and more young people - and helping them to avoid financial difficulties in the first place.
