Writing Mentors (Writing Friends) of the Handschrift Foundation – Promotion of Writing e. V.

The program "Writing Mentors" by the Handschrift Foundation – Promotion of Writing e. V. is aimed at lower secondary schools throughout Germany and offers a free peer tutoring model for students in grades 6 and 7. As part of a full afternoon session, older participants receive expert training to support younger students in strengthening fine motor skills, adopting an ergonomic writing posture, and optimizing pen grip. Through individually guided writing exercises, the program promotes a smoother and more legible handwriting. Since the tutoring work is based on voluntary commitment, the tutors not only benefit from handwriting expertise themselves but also acquire pedagogical skills and strengthen social networking within the school community.

Eligible for funding are public institutions and educational establishments that wish to offer their teachers and school administrations a supplementary measure for writing support – especially with regard to students with language support needs. The offer is continuously available and can be requested at any time without obligation. The goal is to sustainably improve writing competence and to awaken the joy of handwritten expression. In doing so, "Writing Mentors" actively contributes to the qualification of young people and supports schools in establishing handwriting as a valuable tool for cognitive and social development.