Supporting participation and inclusion of unaccompanied and separated children and youth in Germany

The programme in Germany supports non-profit organisations and public bodies to provide assistance for the inclusion and participation of unaccompanied and separated children and youth. The aim is to develop knowledge and skills relating to the specific needs of this group and to improve coordination within the country. Led by the Bertelsmann Foundation, the following projects are being supported:

‘Young refugees’ participation: Pilot project as part of the “Willkommen bei Freunden” (“Welcome as Friends”) programme.’
Led by Deutsche Kinder- und Jugendstiftung
The “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.

‘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’ 
Led by Stiftung Bürgermut 
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.