During the last eight months, our organization Education for Integration conducted German classes at the Ebikon asylum center. Since the beginning of March, two volunteers have been teaching the attendees on two evenings a week. The lessons were designed on the basis of a teaching aid and supplemented with our own topics, resulting in a good mix of grammar, spelling, dictation and games. Among other things, job interviews, visits to apartments and other everyday topics were also discussed. Thanks to the presence of two volunteers, we were able to address individual problems and promote the different skills of the participants.

The most impressive thing during this time was probably the motivation of both the volunteers and the attendees! The lessons were filled with energy and curiosity, no matter if dry theory or playful “Monday painter”. Also for us volunteers it was a joyful challenge, again and again we reoriented ourselves, looked for better teaching methods and had to laugh about our own language from time to time.

Events like “Bong da city” are organized in addition to the lessons. On this occasion we eat and celebrate together, overcome borders and make new friends – according to the motto: Let strangers become friends! The Syrian-Afghan food is cooked by refugees and the party atmosphere is ensured by DJs and bands from Switzerland. Entry for refugees is free.
(You can follow the next event soon: on 17.11.18 the party will take place for the eighth time. Come to the Neubad and dance for a good purpose! From 19.00 there will be food and from 21.00 Party. Entry 15.-)

Due to the closure of the asylum centre in Ebikon at the end of the year, we finished our German lessons with a day trip at the end of October. Together with the attendees, we took the ship to the Museum of Transport, played minigolf and went back to the asylum centre in the evening to cook and eat together. And because the question of where and when the next German lessons would take place kept coming up, we are already busy organizing new projects. The new project for German lessons should be centrally located in the city of Lucerne and easy to reach. The costs for the journey of the refugees are sponsored by the organization. To realize projects like this we are always looking for participating students and volunteers! If you are interested, contact us by mail: educationforintegration@gmail.com.
(To help as a volunteer in our organization you do not necessarily have to live in Lucerne. We also have projects in other cantons that you can join.)