Immigrant Spirit: The Red Cross is a brand that needs no explanation. It’s a sign of relief around the world. I was surprised to find out that your organisation also runs an international kindergarten…?

Jasmin Staak: We – as the Red Cross in Gifhorn county – started a bilingual group in one of our kindergarten last year. The response was very positive and now we would like to add a second kindergarten to the bilingual program.

Immigrant Spirit:  What can you tell us about the work in your kindergarten? Is there a significant international community or are these mostly German children whose parents want to prepare their kids for the opportunities of a borderless world?

Jasmin Staak: We are a part of Isenbüttel municipality. There are many families who work for international employers in our area. As a result there is demand for bilingual kindergarten programs – and since we are a future orientated and reliable partner for families: We are happy to oblige.

Immigrant Spirit:  You are searching for an English Native speaker for the kindergarten. If this new colleague is doing a good job – how would the results look like?

Jasmin Staak: We work with the principle of immersion. It is important to us, that the children learn by cooperation and support, that it is natural to communicate in different languages. Understanding of an international spirit is a key issue for us.

Immigrant Spirit:  Can you describe an “usual day” for your new colleague?

Jasmin Staak:  Our new employee will be included completely in the tasks of the group – also as a native English speaker. In the morning we greet kids and parents, which usually includes a short conversation with the parents. Afterwards the morning activities start – with structured parts like the morning circle, free games and planned activities. We like to create projects with the children or go for field trips, activities and celebrations. All of this will also be a task for our new colleague, together with the rest of the kindergarten team.

Immigrant Spirit:  Which qualifications are you looking for?

Jasmin Staak:  We are looking for employees, who love working with children and who will contribute with their talents and ideas in the creative work of the team. We expect a formal degree in Early Childhood Education (Level 5 or 6) and mandatory experience in working professionally with children younger than six years. It would be a bonus if the candidate knows some German language as well.

Immigrant Spirit:  For those professionals who are interested in this position? What can you offer them?

Jasmin Staak:  We offer the opportunity to actively contribute to the team and to develop the future of our kindergarten. Every year we create a catalogue of training opportunities for our employees, which can be used free of charge. We offer attractive salaries, according to our company based tarif agreement. Additionally we provide tax free saving benefits and a retirement scheme. The Red Cross in Gifhorn offers 30 days of paid leave per year.

Immigrant Spirit:  Can you tell us a little about your town? You already mentioned that there are international companies nearby – which could help to provide jobs for spouses. How about life in your town?

Jasmin Staak:  Isenbüttel is at the crossing between Braunschweig, Gifhorn and Wolfsburg – the home of famous carmaker Volkswagen – and therefore in the “thick of things”. Isenbüttel is a quaint little town of 6.300 citizens – ideal for families. It is very close to Tankum lake, a popular recreational area with lots of space. There are many associations for all kind of interests and a diverse number of events for all ages.

Immigrant Spirit:  Our famous “last words”: Do you have a last message to our readers?

Jasmin Staak: We are looking for support for our little ones! Accompany the children for a while on their journey through life and contribute to their positive development and life attitude. We are looking forward to meeting you – and learn about your ideas.

Immigrant Spirit:  Thank you for your time Jasmin.