Community bonding at Bodelschwingh-Grundschule Mülhofen highlighted through the Friendship Bank
In a heartwarming initiative, Bodelschwingh Elementary School in Mülhofen has introduced a new attraction to its school grounds: a Friendship Bench. This seating area, painted with colorful hearts, clovers, and sun symbols, serves as a symbol of unity and a strong reminder of the importance of friendship and inclusion.
The Friendship Bench, also known internationally as the Buddy Bench, was designed by local children and volunteers, with the school community playing a significant role in its creation. Students from the after-school care program and volunteers in the Social Year (FSJ) Nicole Grams and Lena Böckling led the design process. The students themselves painted the seating area and backrest, adding a personal touch to the project.
The concept of the Friendship Bench originated as a simple yet powerful idea to provide a welcoming space on playgrounds for children who might feel lonely or need a friend. When a child sits on the bench, it signals to others that they want someone to play or talk with. While the exact origin date or founder is not detailed in the search results, modern schools like Longwood Career Center demonstrate how students are actively constructing and installing Buddy Benches, embedding creativity, craftsmanship, and compassion into these efforts.
The Friendship Bench at Bodelschwingh Elementary School has been warmly received by the school community. Mayor Mohr was thrilled with the result at the unveiling of the Friendship Bench and expressed his pride in the project. The bench is intended for children who are new at school, have no one to play with, want to make new friends, want to try something new, or need a moment to themselves. The inscription on the Friendship Bench reads "Friendship Bench."
The installation of the Friendship Bench signifies a commitment to inclusion, mindfulness, and social responsibility. The bench acts as a physical and symbolic tool helping shy or new students make friends, often improving the school climate by supporting a culture of kindness. Schools worldwide have adopted the Buddy Bench as part of broader anti-bullying and mental health initiatives, explicitly encouraging empathy and peer support.
The final location of the Friendship Bench on the school grounds will be decided in the new school year. The photo of Mayor Mohr with the creators of the Friendship Bench at Bodelschwingh Elementary School is available for free use. The Friendship Bench at Bodelschwingh Elementary School continues to serve its intended purpose as a safe space for new students, those seeking friends, or those needing a moment alone.
The Buddy Bench, now recognized as a meaningful approach to tackle loneliness and promote inclusion in educational settings internationally, has seen widespread implementation in schools worldwide. As reflected by student and school community projects, the bench serves not only as a spot to sit but also as a catalyst for civic and social engagement among students, helping them learn resilience and compassion.
The Friendship Bench, a creation by local children and volunteers at Bodelschwingh Elementary School, is not only a considerable addition to their home-and-garden landscape but also serves as a crucial lifestyle emblem that promotes unity, inclusion, and friendship. This Buddy Bench, intended for children who are new, need friends, or desire a moment alone, is part of a broader global movement to combat loneliness and foster empathy in educational settings, making it an integral element of home-and-garden design as well as a key focus in modern lifestyles.
