The Integrationshaus “project”
The idea for this project was born in the early 1990’s when due to the wars in Yugoslavia, a great number of refugees came to Austria and in most cases, were only accommodated inadequately. Integrationshaus wanted to offer an alternative to the common practice of refugee support.
Since its establishment, Integrationshaus has become a model project for the accommodation and integration of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants both at the national and international level. The integral intercultural principle of work, the vibrant multilingualism, the professional approach and the promotion of empowerment and innovative development work are methods that have proven extremely well in practice and in part, have been transferred.
For ten years, support, counselling and training projects have been professionally implemented with great success.
On average, 110 people are supported at Integrationshaus. Additionally, 20 unaccompanied minors have been taken care of in two residential groups under the CARAVAN project since May 2004. At Integrationshaus’s Migrants’ Academy, 300 to 500 people participate in the educational and cultural projects every year. In this context, a key approach is the active involvement of the migrants’ languages. Other essential factors supporting integration are empowerment, guidance to self-help and strengthening self-confidence. Training courses for volunteers in refugee work also form part of the Migrants’ Academy.
The multilingual kindergarten is a project implemented in co-operation with Wiener Kinderfreunde.
In projects of Integrationshaus, at events, in PR, and in particular, through international networking, lobbying for the target group has been intensified — by preparing proposals, comments and resolutions with the objective of improving the legal and social situation of refugees and migrants.
For ten years, support, counselling and training projects have been professionally implemented with great success.
On average, 110 people are supported at Integrationshaus. Additionally, 20 unaccompanied minors have been taken care of in two residential groups under the CARAVAN project since May 2004. At Integrationshaus’s Migrants’ Academy, 300 to 500 people participate in the educational and cultural projects every year. In this context, a key approach is the active involvement of the migrants’ languages. Other essential factors supporting integration are empowerment, guidance to self-help and strengthening self-confidence. Training courses for volunteers in refugee work also form part of the Migrants’ Academy.
The multilingual kindergarten is a project implemented in co-operation with Wiener Kinderfreunde.
In projects of Integrationshaus, at events, in PR, and in particular, through international networking, lobbying for the target group has been intensified — by preparing proposals, comments and resolutions with the objective of improving the legal and social situation of refugees and migrants.
Success and outlook
In the course of the years, Integrationshaus has developed into a professional institution. More than 500 people who were admitted when facing an extremely bad point in their lives have meanwhile achieved integration and are again able to stand on their own feet. Additionally, 291 unaccompanied minor refugees have been supported by our clearinghouse since 2001. In May 2004, the CARAVAN project was converted into a permanent residential facility ensuring the socio-pedagogical intensive care of 20 unaccompanied minors. The number of persons who succeeded in improving their situation by participating in training measures is even much higher. Since the very beginning, more than 500 persons were involved in the EQUAL projects co-ordinated by Integrationshaus at the national level.
With regard to the funding of Integrationshaus’s projects, the Vienna Social Fund currently is the biggest grantor. Around 25 % of the total budget are raised through donations, event revenues, co-operation with companies and other income every year.
With regard to the funding of Integrationshaus’s projects, the Vienna Social Fund currently is the biggest grantor. Around 25 % of the total budget are raised through donations, event revenues, co-operation with companies and other income every year.
© Lukas Beck