Successfully completed an entire class!
The AWO Integration Center in Preetz has announced the discontinuation of its youth and women's integration courses due to funding shortages and possible shifting organizational priorities. These courses, vital for helping young migrants and women integrate into German society, provided language training, cultural orientation, and social support.
The decision comes as a blow to the 17 young migrants aged 16 to 22 who successfully completed the language level B1 course in July 2024 at the Vocational Training Center in Plön. All participants hailed from Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine. Their success was a testament to the close cooperation with teams from the Job Center, Employment Agency, Youth Migration Service, and CJD.
The discontinuation of these courses could create significant challenges for young migrants. Without specialized support, they may struggle to develop necessary language skills and cultural understanding, hindering their ability to navigate education, employment, and social services. This could lead to increased isolation and a slower integration process, affecting their long-term prospects for education, jobs, and social inclusion.
The absence of tailored programs may also leave a gap in services that other local institutions may not have the capacity or mandate to fill. Annette Zacharias of AWO Migration Consulting described the discontinuation of the course tailored to the needs of young people as a "catastrophe".
Despite the setback, there is a silver lining. The successful young adults will now participate in the course for the higher language level B2 in Preetz starting at the end of September. The B2 course will run until March, potentially allowing participants to start an apprenticeship even in the summer. The course will take place at the Vocational Training Center in Plön, similar to the previous course.
The young adults showed particular interest in German history, culminating in a visit to the Neuengamme Memorial. This deepened their experience with the country's past, a crucial aspect of cultural orientation.
The AWO regrets the decision by the federal government to discontinue youth and women's courses as part of cost-cutting measures. It remains to be seen how alternative support mechanisms will be established to ensure the successful integration of young migrants in Preetz.
- The discontinuation of education-and-self-development programs, such as the language training courses, at the AWO Integration Center in Preetz, could hinder the learning process for young migrants, potentially leading to difficulties in navigating various aspects of German society.
- Without specialized learning opportunities, like the tailored courses for young people, there may be a significant gap in services, which could affect the long-term prospects of young migrants for education, employment, and social inclusion.
