The accounts of children and young people with refugee experiences triggered a rollercoaster of emotions. Shock, outrage, and hope all found expression that evening. To begin, Markus Bollen read aloud a harrowing letter from two young girls from Ghana who lost their lives during their escape. Anna Weber from the Terre des Hommes office reported on the situation in refugee accommodations: camp-like conditions, a lack of psychological support, and inadequate play and educational opportunities. At the same time, there are positive developments: many children are enrolled in school within two months and, where possible, are housed in apartments together with their families.
Deputy Mayor Corvin Kochan praised the commitment of the numerous organizations in Bergisch Gladbach. Imam Adnan Ljura from the Islamic communities, Khazar Bagheri from the Youth Migration Service, and Margret Grunwald-Nonte from Christian and community initiatives provided concrete insights into their work. Maesam Taee from Afghanistan also vividly described the challenges and opportunities faced by young migrants.
Following the presentations, the guests explored the topics in greater depth with the speakers in small groups. The event was characterized by moving accounts as well as encouraging examples of dedicated support for children and young people with refugee experience in the city of Bergisch Gladbach.
Organizers: Terre des Hommes- Bergisch Gladbach group in cooperation with Aktion Neue Nachbarn in the Archdiocese of Cologne, Alliance against Racism and for Diversity, DAIK eV (German-Albanian-Islamic Cultural Center Bergisch Gladbach eV), Rhein-Berg Youth Migration Service, Bergisch Gladbach City Library. bergisch.gladbach@tdh-ag.deContact Dr. Renate Vorwerk, Terre des Hommes- Bergisch Gladbach group,
