The attack on Ukraine is shaking Europe and the whole world. Millions of people are affected by the war and its consequences. At the end of February, the first refugees from Ukraine arrived in Germany. Immediately, a great solidarity was shown in society, accommodations were provided, necessary equipment was donated or help was given in dealing with authorities. For many refugees, the question now is: where can I work?
Work is an important key to integration - this was already evident during the refugee crisis in 2015/16. We launched our work4u initiative to support refugees from Ukraine quickly and unbureaucratically in their arrival and initial orientation in the German labor market. After all, some things that seem self-evident to us or can be solved with a single query present a major hurdle for people from a different educational and labor market context. This is exactly where we build a bridge with committed volunteers in order to overcome these hurdles together. Our many years of experience in the labor market integration of refugees helps us to implement this project - we have already been able to support over 2,700 refugees and look forward to each additional one who joins us.
"With the work4u initiative, we support refugees from Ukraine in entering the German labor market. Work not only provides a financial livelihood, but is also an essential component of integration into a society: language acquisition, social relationships, all the way to the opportunity to build a self-determined life in Germany."
Stefanie Baic, JOBLINGE Management Team and Head of work4u
work4u is a project of the nationwide non-profit organization JOBLINGE.
At JOBLINGE, we support young adults who are looking to connect with the world of work. Since 2008, we have accompanied more than 13,000 young people on their way into the job market, with a placement rate of 75 percent. In 2016, we also launched the Kompass program, in which we qualify young refugees with few language skills for training or work in Germany and place them in these. To date, more than 2,700 young people with a refugee background have taken part in the program - also with a placement rate of more than 75 percent. We stand for many years of successful expertise in the topic of labor market entry for people with starting difficulties as well as a refugee background. JOBLINGE is a joint initiative of the Boston Consulting Group and the Eberhard von Kuenheim Foundation of BMW AG.
"It is very much about attitude. But also about the pedagogical approach. How do we reach and activate, how do we initiate change? It's about finding exactly the balance between support and the impulse to take responsibility."
Kadim Tas, Board of Directors JOBLINGE e.V.
