arrived (Walter Blüchert Foundation)

The "angekommen" program of the Walter Blüchert Foundation has been strengthening the educational, social, and professional integration of newly arrived young people in North Rhine-Westphalia since 2015. In cooperation with municipalities and the Ministry of School and Education NRW, it supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are taught in International Preparatory Classes (IFK) at vocational colleges in Bielefeld, Dortmund, and Essen. Through targeted counseling and support services, including in the areas of language promotion, democracy education, health, art/culture, and sports, personal potentials are fostered and school qualifications are systematically supported. The continuous implementation at the three locations enables sustainable support and strengthens the participants' sense of belonging in their new living environment.

Within the framework of the program, young people receive practical assistance with career orientation, training coaching, residence law, and everyday life management. Workshops, excursions, and cultural projects contribute to accelerated integration and open up perspectives for the transition from school to work. The ongoing funding opportunity allows for flexible participation and ensures that every refugee or immigrant youth finds appropriate support. Through close cooperation with educational partners and social institutions, sustainable impact chains are initiated that not only strengthen individual learning paths but also promote social cohesion in the long term. Applications can be submitted at any time, making entry into the program straightforward at all three locations.