One of the most vulnerable refugee groups are the unaccompanied minors. At the end of January 2016 approximately 64.000 arrived in Germany. Many of these unaccompanied minors are suffering from severe traumatization, disorientation, loneliness and violence. To tackle this issue 18 European foundations set up a fund for unaccompanied minor refugees and will support the civic society and state institutions to enhance the situation of this vulnerable group.
Language is key: Summer camps for unaccompanied and separated children and youth
Led by the v. Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel: The v. Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel in Bielefeld is an organisation for unaccompanied and separated children and youth, supporting 150 young people at present. Together with the department at Bethel, the Bertelsmann Stiftung is piloting three one-week language camps for the summer and autumn holidays in 2016. During the camps, young people will receive intensive language training. A diverse range of leisure activities with workshops focusing on German, sport and excursions are part of the camp programme. If the language camps are considered successful, they will be repeated in other places and scaled up.
OpenTransfer BarCamps Young Refugees NRW”S
Social initiatives and organisations that work with unaccompanied and separated children and youth are too often forced to reinvent the wheel because of a gap in knowledge sharing among organisations. Together with the Stiftung Bürgermut, the Bertelsmann Stiftung is developing a transfer concept to increase the exchange of good examples in Germany. In the process, good examples from different regions are being brought together at BarCamps in a central location in North Rhine-Westphalia. This allows for the identification of good practice solutions, networking opportunities, fostering cooperation and speeding up transfer processes.
Young Refugees participation: Pilot project as part of the “Willkommen bei Freunden” Programme
Led by the Deutsche Kinder- und Jugendstiftung: “Willkommen bei Freunden” programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). With this grant, the Deutsche Kinder- und Jugendstiftung will expand integration and participation measures for unaccompanied and separated children and youth with a particular focus on strengthening young peoples’ voices and actively involve them in the planning and organisation of activities dedicated to them. Contrary to many initiatives that are targeted to children and youth below the age of 18, this project stresses the open participation for all young people interested to join.