The objective of the youth school is to provide young people with the opportunity to consolidate and develop their knowledge and skills, to help make them understand and qualify them for life in society and to contribute to enhancing their lives as well as developing their interest and ability in being active players in a democratic society. It is important that what is offered by the youth school provides the young

with real and concrete possibilities for acquiring qualifications, new experiences, responsibilities and experience in three fundamental areas: – knowledge and skills competences – life competences – social competences

Ryhavegård The courses provided by Ryhavegård are an alternative to the seventh to tenth classes of primary and lower secondary schooling (a few choose to take an eleventh school year). Ryhavegård is an open school with space for many different personalities. The school’s trademark is the individual guidance/teaching it offers in school subjects and with regard to conduct, leisure time and the students’ future plans. Teaching takes place in small groups which enables the school to meet the needs and wishes of the individual student. Furthermore, the small groups make it easier to work on the basis of the individual child’s current level of attainment.

Youth clubs All young people between thirteen and eighteen years of age must have access to clubs in the local area. The clubs must constitute a social pedagogical offer, where the young people can do things on their own initiative and on their own terms. The clubs must pay particular attention to disadvantaged children.

The clubs can include planned activities and joint activities where the young people can participate in creative, practical tasks and cultural experiences which can support individual personal development. Furthermore, the clubs must participate in the preventive work carried out by the schools, social services department and the police (SSP), see below. The clubs are obliged to participate in the school contact group meetings.

Youth guidance According to current legislation, young people who are listed on the national register in the municipality must be offered guidance about educational, training and employment possibilities for at least two years after compulsory education is completed or after they have left lower secondary school (Folkeskolen) or similar institutions. In the Municipality of Skanderborg, this guidance is available until young people reach the age of 25.