ESC: Refugee help

The Flüchtlingshilfe Sprockhövel ("Refugee Aid Sprockhövel") is an independent initiative run by volunteers. Citizens have been campaigning for refugees in our city since 2015. 250-300 volunteers, including over 75 refugees and its numerous local network partners, have been involved with and for around 400 refugees in Sprockhövel. Since 2017 our initative aditionally organised itself formally as a registered non-profit organisation. But volunteering in our organisation does not need a membership. Each year we offer 3 places for federal voluntary service as well as long-term internships for students. Our board of directors all work on a voluntary basis. We provide active support so that refugees arrive safely in Sprockhövel, feel welcome and can integrate as quickly as possible. We work closely with associations, parishes as well as private and public institutions. A partnership-like relationship on an equal footing is particularly important to us. We therefore stand for an open, intercultural exchange - characterized by curiosity, mutual learning and appreciation. Therefore, of course, all of our offers are also open to locals. Community is very important to us. We want to help locals and refugees approach one another. Through numerous encounters and joint activities, we create opportunities for personal and community development. We want to achieve more than just offering refugees essentials. We want to shape Sprockhövel's future together - colorful and diverse. We are convinced that this can only succeed if as many as possible participate. That is why we bring good ideas and people together and help to network all those active in a profitable way. We want to support refugees to build their own future in Sprockhövel and encourage them to help shape the future of Sprockhövel in a positive way. In short: we don't just want to live side by side, we want to live together. We want to create real togetherness between locals and refugees in Sprockhövel and benefits for all citizens in Sprockhövel. At the same time, we want to help reducing social tensions. That is why we try to bring people from all life situations together. Our work is based on the concept of empowerment for refugees. We try to turn refugees, who get help, into helpers. We love to pass on knowledge and experience and to promote community and solidarity. Our projects are open to everyone - regardless of where you come from. We are active in the following fields: work, cultural exchange, consulting, education, leisure, culture, language, sport and living. We encourage a diverse mix of participants. The personal contacts that we create in this way form heart of our activities. Our offers include: • Job search, support during training, help with applications • Behind the picture - faces with stories (integration project with large-screen posters, exhibition and development of educational material for the public) • Advice on asylum procedures, help with filling out forms and in dealing with authorities • Federal Voluntary Service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst) • Corona emergency aid (e.g. shopping service, sewing everyday masks, etc.) • Excursions, cultural studies, visits of concerts and exhibitions • Festivals and events • Summer Camps for students - Fit in German • Sociabels: Café meeting, Darts ‘n‘ Drinks, women’s meeting, men’s meeting • Homework help and toddler play group • Hobby meetings: bicycle, soccer, bowling, cooking, creative, painting, sewing, make-up and games meeting • Individual support through sponsorships • Closet for clothes, household items and toys • PC and math courses • Communal lobbying • Press work and public relations as well as Social Media • ReFoodgee Day - Refugees invite local guests for dinner to their homes • Repair Café • Sharing offers: groceries, games mobile, transporter, tools • Language courses for German, English, Arabic, Turkish as well as language tandems • Sport activities: climbing, pony rides, dancing, yoga, ... • Translations • Further training for volunteers and new immigrants • Search for accomodations, transport of furniture, support for movings