Oberhavel Adventist School in Germany Expands to New Building
9 January 2024 |
The Inter-European Division reports that the Oberhavel Adventist School in Friedrichsthal, Oranienburg, Germany celebrated a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new building, marking the culmination of two-and-a-half years of dedicated construction efforts.
The new facility, a project spearheaded by Advent-Wohlfahrtswerk E.V., the social welfare arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany, represents a major step forward for the school, which first opened its doors in 2006 with just seven students in a charming, but limited old village school building.
Christian Fischer, managing director of the school’s sponsoring organization, Adventschule Oberhavel ‘gGmbH’, reflected on the journey from those humble beginnings to the present. The new U-shaped building, partly constructed with wood, not only preserves part of the old structure but also introduces a modern touch with its spacious entrance square, assembly hall, canteen, kitchen, and state-of-the-art classrooms.
Principal Anita Michor shared insights into the construction phase, highlighting how it became a real-life learning adventure for the students and teachers, despite the challenges. The process was skillfully integrated into the curriculum, making it an educational experience in itself.
Johannes Naether, president of the North Germany Union, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of education in the context of the Protestant faith and human dignity. The school, as a part of the worldwide network of Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions, focuses on the holistic development of body, soul, and mind.
Catering to students from grades 1–10, Oberhavel Adventist School functions as a full-day general secondary school with a primary section. It adheres to the Brandenburg state curriculum while offering a more flexible learning environment and a broad array of afternoon activities. With small class sizes of a maximum of 17 students, the school prides itself on providing individualized attention to each student.
This new building marks a new era for Oberhavel Adventist School, promising enhanced learning experiences and opportunities for its students and a continued commitment to its educational ethos.
