How long have you worked at Camphill School Aberdeen?

I have worked at Camphill School Aberdeen for eight years.

What brought you to Camphill School Aberdeen?

I came over as a student from Switzerland and spoke no English. I heard about Camphill School Aberdeen from my brother and really wanted to travel and experience Scotland. When I arrived at the school I volunteered at St Christopher House one of our residential houses and worked in the school as a class helper. I was there for two years and I then moved to work at Robert Owen house full time. During that time, I began repairing bikes in my spare time in a shed behind the house and the students started to help and gain experience. That’s how my role today started! 

What does your role at Camphill School Aberdeen consist of? And how does it benefit the students?

My role is Bike Workshop Lead and I also work as a Senior Care Worker when needed at Robert Owen House. When I started to begin repair bikes on the estate and the students gained interest, I saw the potential of the workshop. I have a real passion for repairing bikes, before I moved to Scotland I was a car mechanic. I pitched the idea of a bike workshop to the senior management at the school and they were so supportive, I got set up with a bigger shed and tools and the CSA bike workshop became a permanent feature in our workshop curriculum. The bike workshop builds key skills and supports our students to lead independent lives. They learn how to repair all aspects of the bikes in the workshops, including fixing punctures and gears. 

Are there any key highlights that stand out for you during your time at Camphill School Aberdeen?

My key highlight is starting the bike workshop and making it what it is today. If it wasn’t for Camphill supporting me it wouldn’t be what it is now. Seeing how the students learn is fantastic and it really makes my job so meaningful. I am also very grateful to wake up every day and love what I do. I love the community at Camphill, living and working with my colleagues and building a life with my partner and my son has been another highlight.

How much of a difference will the capital appeal campaign when complete make to students and their families at Camphill School Aberdeen?

The Capital appeal will mean that we can open our doors to even more students and enable them to learn key life skills and build meaningful relationships. I am particularly excited that our social enterprise will host an extension of our bike workshop, which will allow us to repair the public’s bikes and enable our students to build customer relationships and further life skills.