Rehabilitation Support For Refugees in Germany

"I did not know that there are other people here in Berlin, who are like me and share the same experiences, thoughts and beliefs."

"Today I learned a lot about myself and want to thank IsraAID for creating this opportunity, and especially to all of you who also came. You are all so great, and together we can be powerful!"

"We cannot change the past and what we have experienced, but we can change our future together!"

Last month, IsraAID launched its new Refugee Leadership Program in Berlin, called Kompass.  This initiative aims to train and facilitate a group of empowered, motivated refugees in Germany, from all nationalities and religions, who will together lead social and community-building activities, and encourage thousands of other new refugee arrivals to connect with the wider German population.

Following months of recruitment and trust-building activities, the IsraAID team in Germany facilitated the first group meeting. The group included 18 male and female refugees, from ages 14 to 45 years old, from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Somalia, and was coordinated by two of IsraAID's psycho-social and mental health professionals. The first session focused on introductions and on presenting the program.

The participants drew their 'personal shields', which included their life motto, their skills, and individual 'super-powers'. The group was encouraged to use any words, colours and forms to express themselves.  After a communal lunch, everyone was asked to find a partner, who they didn't know well, and present their shield to one another. Later, each person presented his/her partner’s shield to the whole group!

The first session was a real success. The participants arrived on time, were full of energy, and open to all the ideas and tasks presented. Through the group-work, new connections were built, and a peer network started to develop - the participants encouraged, supported and motivated each other. Identifying one’s superpower was very difficult for some participants but getting to know people with similar experiences and difficulties, created a powerful feeling of belonging and hope.  

We are all looking forward to our next meeting! More updates to follow!

New Horizon for Children

Yana, aged 9, escaped from Syria with her parents and one brother. After the long, difficult journey, the family was sent temporarily to an emergency refugee shelter in Germany.

In the shelter, Yana joined IsraAID’s 'Horizont' art therapy program for young refugee children. The sessions provide a safe, creative space for these children to process some of their experiences, and be together in a supportive peer environment.

During almost every session in IsraAID's art therapy program, Yana occupies herself with themes related to food. She speaks a lot about the 'bad food' she ate on the way from Syria to Germany and in the various shelters she has since lived in, in Germany, and reflects on the food they used to eat in Syria. The IsraAID art therapists provide a safe place for Yana to process these thoughts. (See picture below of one of Yana’s creations) Initially, Yana was quite skeptical about the 'Horizont' art therapy program, however, she has slowly opened up, created new friendships and agreed to share her feelings and thoughts with the group.

Ali, aged 8, is an Iraqi refugee who recently resettled in Germany with his family. Ali struggles with some traumatic memories from his arduous journey from Iraq to Germany. He also really misses his former home and is dealing every day with conflicting identity issues. During his art therapy sessions, as part of the Horizon program, Ali only paints pictures of the Iraqi flag – he has created 20 already! This repetition gives him a sense of safety and stability. With the help of IsraAID's art therapists, Ali is slowly beginning to accept his new surroundings. The relaxed, positive space in the art studio gives him a sense of calm, and helps him channel his energies into a positive direction. 

IsraAID in Frankfurt

Twice a week, two of IsraAID's Arabic-speaking mental health professionals in Frankfurt, host group therapy sessions for adult refugees living in the city's shelters.

The sessions aim to help the refugees process their traumas and deal with their uncertain current realities. The women’s group starts every meeting with dancing; “It really relieves the stress of each day and allows them to relax and enjoy,” says one of our facilitators. 

Furthermore, IsraAID’s Arabic-speaking team in Frankfurt is training service providers from all around Germany, who work with the refugee community. The first session had over 50 participants from various organizations, who operate in the field of Gender-Based Violence prevention and Women Empowerment. After a four-hour training, many participants requested to have another session for their teams and organizations! IsraAID's Germany team is excited to plan many more!

New program with Yazidies

Recently, IsraAID Germany started the first part of the Support Group for Yazidi Women program in one of the refugee-shelters. Our Yazidi Community Manager is working together with our Art-Therapist to facilitate support group to Yazidi women living shelters, offering them emotional and social support. More updates to come in the next update! IsraAID has been working with the Yazidi population in Iraq, Greece and Germany for the past three years and developed a strong bond with the community.

Thank you for following and supporting our work in Germany – please share with friends and family!

Thank you!