the Connection

Project owner: the Connection

Responsible person: Valerie Mühlenburg

2021

Nominated

AT

Civil Society / Social Economy

What is it about?

the Connection - the name says it all. We provide a wide range of educational opportunities for young refugees and also open up the possibility of contact with the wider society. We want to enable participants to make new acquaintances and broaden their horizons. Where do we do this? In our learning centre in the fourth district. What makes us special? Our doors are open to everyone! Residence titles don't matter to us. We want everyone to have the chance to gain a foothold in Austria.

Challenge

Policymakers have high expectations for refugees to learn German and rebuild their lives in a new culture, as well as integrate into the labour market. All of this should happen ideally after five years. However, many asylum procedures drag on for years and educational opportunities are scarce during this time.

Idea

The Connection is a learning centre for all! Many young people in our programme have been looking for suitable German courses for months. There are also few higher level courses offered for free. We provide German courses from A1 to C1 levels and a broad range of activities, which enables participants to structure their daily lives based on their needs.

Actors

Our target group are people in marginalised living conditions; we primarily work with refugees and young people who need extra support in school. Our doors are open to everyone.

Impact

We provide easy access to flexible and practical educational opportunities. This approach best meets our target groups’ needs, who are often burdened by marginalised living conditions and face many bureaucratic hurdles.

Transfer

We were informed about the dire shortage of German courses in the provinces through our partner organization. There are little to no courses in rural regions for people to join during their asylum procedure. It is our goal to bring the Connection to every province.

© Marco Zlousic & the Connection