Why music and movement are an important part of our onboarding programme

Picture Kerstin Hillar

That’s why our onboarding week didn’t just consist of lessons, workshops and organisational matters. Just as important were shared experiences that bring people together and lay the foundations for a trusting relationship.

Starting the day together

An integral part of our onboarding programme was a Move Session lasting around ten minutes in the morning and in the evening. Together with our trainees, we learnt a simple choreography to the song ‘You Are Good Enough’.Why this song in particular?

The choice of song was no coincidence. The chorus ‘Du bist gut genug’ quickly became an international social media phenomenon. Millions of people shared this message –regardless of whether they spoke German or not.

It was precisely this simplicity that made the song so special for our project. Our trainees have left their home countries and are facing a completely new chapter in their lives. In this situation, a message like ‘You’re good enough’ can mean a great deal. It conveys appreciation, respect and a sense of being accepted.

After all, every person brings their own experiences, skills and potential with them and everyone deserves the chance to develop these.

Self-confidence as the foundation for development

For us, however, ‘You’re good enough’ does not mean standing still.

On the contrary: those who feel accepted often develop the courage to try new things, take on responsibility and surpass their own limits.

Self-esteem and personal development are not mutually exclusive – they go hand in hand. People learn most effectively when they feel secure and develop confidence in their own abilities.

This is precisely where our educational approach comes in.

Learning is more than just the transfer of knowledge

Modern findings in learning psychology show that sustainable learning goes far beyond the mere transfer of specialist knowledge.

Positive emotions facilitate learning. Shared activities strengthen a sense of belonging. Physical activity stimulates both body and mind, whilst music connects people regardless of language.

This fosters motivation, concentration and a learning atmosphere in which people feel at ease and can realise their potential.

Community across cultural boundaries

Our trainees from West Africa bring with them diverse life stories, experiences and cultural backgrounds. Joint activities create opportunities for interaction on an equal footing and help to overcome language barriers.

They foster openness, mutual respect and trust values that are just as important for successful training as technical skills.

Individuals become a team

After just a few days, we could see how a group of individuals was turning into a real team. At first, many were still reserved and unsure. With every training session we did together, there was more laughter, mutual encouragement and conversation. The choreography gradually took a back seat. What mattered most was the shared experience.

Our understanding of successful training

These experiences reinforce our belief that successful training must always take the whole person into account.

For us, professional qualifications, personal development, intercultural competence and a sense of community are inextricably linked.

That is why our onboarding programme is far more than simply providing organisational information. It offers guidance, boosts self-confidence and lays the foundations for a successful training programme – professionally, personally and culturally.

Because we are convinced that:

People who feel welcome learn more easily. People who experience trust develop motivation. And people who grow together are best able to realise their potential.