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New scouting spirit: Halle-Neustadt's scouts support migrant children!
Scout group “Scout Spirit” in Halle-Neustadt helps migrant children through bilingual activities and intercultural exchange.
New scouting spirit: Halle-Neustadt's scouts support migrant children!
There is a remarkable initiative in Halle-Neustadt that has been supporting children with a migrant background since it was founded in 2021: the scout group Scout Spirit. This group was founded by young people who themselves had the experience of arriving in Germany. It is a place where children who have recently come here, in particular, feel comfortable and can find connection. One of the driving forces is Fadi Matouk, who came to Halle from Damascus in Syria eight years ago. During his own childhood, he had difficulty integrating into German society, which gave him the motivation to help others overcome their challenges in a new country. MDR reports that the group's weekly activities take place in German and Arabic, lowering the language barrier for many children.
The Scout Spirit's weekly program includes exciting topics such as nature trips, hiking, picnics and even garbage collection activities. The group has around 30 members, many of whom have their roots in Arab countries. The integrative approach is clear: all children aged seven and over are welcome. In addition to the traditional scouting activities, there are also more modern offerings such as computer and photography courses that are not only fun but also develop important skills.
The importance of integration
The work of the scout group reflects a broader trend in Germany, where integration offers for migrants are becoming increasingly important. Over the last 20 years, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has established systematic integration support, which was brought into being by the Immigration Act of 2005. Dieses Gesetz legt den Fokus auf Integrationskurse, die Migranten dabei unterstützen, sich besser in die Gesellschaft einzugliedern. BAMF informed about various options for immigrants to learn the language, find housing and get their children looked after.
The AWO SPI Soziale Stadt- und Landentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH in Halle (Saale) offers special migration advice for adults. This advice center helps immigrants over the age of 27 and their family members find their way in their new surroundings. Linguistic support is available in German, Arabic and Kurdish, with interpreters for other languages also available. The advice is free and subject to confidentiality, which gives many migrants a feeling of security. The AWO supports, among other things, finding accommodation and finding kindergarten places, which is crucial for successful integration. Further information can be found on the AWO website: AWO SPI.
The combination of group activities for children and comprehensive counseling services for adults show how important it is to connect in a new environment and receive support on different levels. Fadi Matouk and his scout group make a valuable contribution to giving the newcomers a good feeling for their new home so that they can take responsibility for society themselves.