Ali, Omar and many others have arrived

Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich welcomed the volunteers and the young people they support to the Old Vicarage in Vellern. “Thanks to your dedicated work, you are creating opportunities for young people who have been driven to Beckum by violence or war,” he emphasised, and expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.

The initiative, which was founded just over 10 years ago, can look back on numerous success stories of young people who have settled in Germany after fleeing their home countries. In front of representatives from politics and the civil service, volunteers and refugees described their experiences – characterised by empathy, perseverance and a sense of joy at what they have achieved.

Brigitte Bublies-Tielker, the initiative’s coordinator, used a wealth of photographs to provide an insight into the early days, the volunteers’ motivation and the wide range of support services on offer. “Back then, there weren’t enough German language courses for the many new arrivals, and many residents of Beckum simply wanted to help,” she explained. Language mentors were brought in to fill this gap. The Mums’ Centre provided the ideal setting for this. In addition to the language courses, numerous community activities provided opportunities to make new contacts and deepen friendships.

In the atmospheric setting of the Old Vicarage, many volunteers and refugees themselves also had their say. They spoke of their shared journey: many had arrived with nothing but a rucksack, with no knowledge of German and no sense of direction in their new country. Knowing English or French sometimes made the initial adjustment easier – but there was no getting round the need to learn German. Support was also needed in everyday life: understanding letters from the authorities, filling in forms, organising suitable clothing for a job interview or writing job applications.

Over the years, close bonds have been forged. The volunteers spoke with palpable pride about the young people’s milestones: successful school-leaving qualifications, completed apprenticeships, and first permanent jobs. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with the Jobcentre and the Employment Agency, many were placed in apprenticeships or jobs. The result: people who now speak German, earn their own money, get involved in the community and look back with gratitude.

The mentors were unanimous: volunteering had broadened their own horizons. At the same time, they expressed great respect for the young people’s determination to settle into their new home and find their place. One mentor summed it up perfectly to her former pupil: “At first, you needed Germany; now Germany needs you.”

Following the presentation, lively discussions took place at the tables; there was plenty to talk about. The New Year’s reception was accompanied by music from Nicole Saal and Tim Mackel from the Warendorf District School of Music.