Mentoring Project Yoldaş

The mentoring project Yoldaş in Hamburg promotes intercultural exchange and equal opportunities for children from Turkish-speaking families aged 5–9 years. In this ongoing program, volunteers (aged 18 and above) accompany their mentees for at least twelve months, organizing meetings every one to two weeks lasting two to three hours. Together, they explore the diverse places of the city, read books, try new things, and build cultural bridges. These partnerships not only generate individual learning impulses but often also foster lasting friendships that extend well beyond the project and strengthen the sense of belonging in Hamburg. The interculturally composed project team continuously supports the tandems and organizes workshops, exchange meetings, and regular joint activities.

Participation requirements include residence in Hamburg, excellent German language skills at a native level (mentors), and an extended police clearance certificate. Travel time to the tandem should ideally not exceed 30 minutes (focus areas: Altona, St. Pauli, Sternschanze, Eimsbüttel). Travel expenses and an allowance of up to €150 per year are funded. Registration is possible at any time and is standardized through the project team of BürgerStiftung Hamburg. Required documents are the extended police clearance certificate and the completed registration form. Through the combination of individual support and community networking, Yoldaş makes a valuable contribution to social integration and democratic cohesion in the Hanseatic city.