Bad Nauheim, Germany. Adventure education at the Waldorf School Wetterau.
Mobile phones, keys, wallets—these are the items that provide us with a basic sense of security in modern society. The “Hansel and Gretel” project, which has been conducted with 11th-grade students at the Freie Waldorfschule Wetterau (Waldorf School Wetterau) since 2009, deliberately strips the participating students—who take part voluntarily—of these very securities. Blindfolded and placed in small groups at various unknown starting points, they must travel on foot to a destination up to 40 kilometers away within three days. They have to ask the people they encounter along the way for directions, as well as for free water, food, and places to sleep. According to the students, the three-day journey brings both highs and lows. But what stays with them most are the realizations that many people are incredibly helpful, that one must not give up after setbacks, and that sticking together is the most important thing of all.
More Hansel and Gretel Project
Translation Paula Boslau
Image Marieke Koenders
