What do asylum seekers do throughout the day? Possibly you imagine they are free to spend their days doing whatever they like. But think about it again and the reality of their situation becomes clearer.
Consider this: they have hardly any financial resources; travel is not affordable; entertainment is not affordable; they don’t know anyone and the country is a strange place. If they are lucky, they might have been donated a bicycle. If they have even more luck, they live in a shelter which provides internet access. And if they are incredibly fortunate, they have ended up somewhere where they are offered some kind of recreational program, including perhaps football games, free German courses, an occasional excursion or opportunities to meet other people.
Such activities are valued, but they do not fill each and every day. And above all, they do not distract from the feeling that you are condemned to spend each and every day, for weeks and months, waiting. Waiting for an interview; waiting for an asylum decision; or waiting for a place in one of the rare German courses. And so passes precious lifetime: many fall into depression and despair.
We have got to know many such people: full of hopes and plans for a secure future. No one wants to live in a social safety-net. Everyone wants to be able to stand on their own, make something of their lives, be proud of their achievements – and give something back to the country that has taken them in.
These are the people we want to help. Let them progress in their lives here, quickly learning the language, and attending courses that can give them professional recognition. Course attendance, homework, and learning, also provide a daily routine and structure, which relieves the feeling of being condemned to wait.
Most of the refugees we know have a clear idea of their future. They have the necessary skills, talent and will to make something of their lives. Our society can benefit too if we help them to learn the language and encourage their talents. This is exactly what our association intends to do and we hope that you will support our efforts.
When these people first arrived in our country we donated blankets, clothing and food. Now they need the chance of a future. Instead of spending money on food which we push into their hands at the train station while sending them on their way, the time has come to use this money to give them some kind of future.
Every euro you donate will be invested in tuition fees and travel, to give displaced people the chance of an (educated) future.
