Maria

Maria grew up in group homes and foster care, but at the age of 14, the youth welfare office removed her from care due to serious problems in those placements. What followed was time in various youth welfare institutions. This system never worked for Maria, which is why she consciously chose a different path: life on the streets—in Leipzig, Berlin, and Salzburg. The experiences there left a lasting mark.

Last year, Maria completed her A-levels and is now studying at university, pursuing her dream of working behind the camera as a videographer. She has travelled to Portugal, where she founded a queer FLINTA surf camp.

Maria calls on politicians to create more spaces for young people and to promote an empowering approach to social work.