Art meets AI: exciting trainee in German community
Trying out different professions, expressing one’s creativity, and learning more about democracy – these were the goals of “MiniStadt Merching”, which opened its doors to children aged 8 to 14 as part of the holiday program from August 4 to 8. The FORUM MEDIA GROUP in Merching, Bavaria, supported the project, which was initiated by the Kreisjugendring Aichach-Friedberg, with an offering focused on the creative use of AI. In addition, the media group subsidized the open-air cinema offered as part of the holiday program with a financial contribution.
Creative contribution from the trainee group
The MiniStadt (“MiniTown”) gave children a taste of everyday life as adults: after registering at the “employment office”, participating children could take on responsibilities as mayor, police officer, baker, or in many other roles. In addition, there were many creative activities where various products were made. For their work, the children received the “Merching Taler”, MiniStadt’s own currency, which could be used for snacks, drinks, and many other offerings and products made on site. The project focused on experiencing co-determination, strengthening social skills, and developing an understanding of social contexts.
One highlight was the contribution from Forum: the group of trainees and students was there from Monday to Thursday and accompanied the children at a creative station where they could digitally create their own designs – such as cartoon characters, animals, or cars – using the AI “FORUM ArtPlus” developed in-house. FORUM equipped a classroom with seven laptops and a printer for this purpose. After an introduction and with the help of handouts, the images were transferred onto transfer foil and ironed onto fabric pencil cases, which could then be purchased in the MiniStadt shop with earned “Merching Talers”.
At the MiniStadt Merching, many individually printed linen pencil cases with creative designs were created.
Positive feedback
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many children wanting to participate again the very next day. Daniela Krauss, HR manager at FORUM VERLAG HERKERT GMBH and training manager, was responsible for coordinating the project and was delighted with its success: “The project once again clearly demonstrated what a strong and committed team we currently have in the trainee/student group. The collaboration was not only effective, but also characterized by mutual support, initiative, and great teamwork.” The trainees and students from the Merching location were also enthusiastic about the welcome change from their everyday work. Everyone clearly enjoyed working with the children, and all those involved were proud of the great results.
Further support for the vacation program
FORUM supported the holiday program of the local community of Merching beyond MiniStadt: On Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, an open-air cinema was held in the Merching schoolyard, which our group of companies subsidized with €350. This covered part of the expensive film licenses and GEMA fees. The open-air cinema was also very well received by the children and young people of Merching.
The FORUM MEDIA GROUP also supported the open-air cinema as part of the vacation program with a cash donation.
At our Merching site, which is home to our holding company as well as our subsidiaries FORUM VERLAG HERKERT GMBH, FORUM Zeitschriften und Spezialmedien GmbH, and FORUM train & sail, we offer various trainee programs in fields such as IT, e-commerce, and media, as well as several dual study programs. For more information, visit: www.forum-media.com/en/careers.
Title image: The group of trainees and students, supported by HR officer Nadine Sprotte (2nd from right), generated enthusiasm among children and young people in Merching with their AI project.