A Positive Integration in the Host Country
Traumatic journeys & complex integration
Every year, hundreds of unaccompanied minor refugees (UMRs), aged 15 to 18, arrive in Switzerland alone. They have left their country amid major crises, separated from their families, and traveled thousands of kilometers over months or years, by land and sea.
Extremely vulnerable, they have experienced traumatic journeys and, upon arrival, face social isolation and the challenges of integration.
UMRs are assigned to existing reception structures, which are often already overwhelmed, under-resourced, and facing many social care challenges since UMRs represent only a portion of their overall responsibilities.
It is therefore essential that local organizations or citizens complement existing systems in specific areas, always in close collaboration with state structures.
For more details on this subject, please refer to this document.
Integration as a Cornerstone
Integration is central to the future of these young people. Already fragile and socially isolated, their prolonged interruption of schooling places them at a significant disadvantage in the host society. Some face prejudice or even rejection by the local population, increasing their isolation and widening social divides. Creating connections is key to offering a shared future.
Positive integration
Integration through exchanges with the local population is essential : both to help the youth open up to their host country, and for the host society to open up to them.
Our actions create positive outcomes on two fronts:
Raising awareness among the local population about the key challenges of successful integration
Facilitating the social and professional integration of young refugees, through discovery outings, support in finding internships and temporary jobs, assistance with obtaining a driver’s license, and more.
What are the priority needs ?
After donating household and appliance materials to the Hospice Général, we maintained close contact with both the structure and the young people, organizing informal meetings and shared activities: group meals, discovery outings, and more.
These moments allowed us to build real connections and discuss their needs and aspirations for this new phase of life. The main priorities identified were :
- Stepping outside institutional educational settings
- Practicing French outside school
- Discovering local culture and heritage
- Exploring a skill, profession, or activity
Drawing on our successful first experience as a “host family” for Ukrainian refugees repatriated during our convoys, and responding to the young people’s strong desire for connection, we decided to allocate an unplanned budget to support them as best we could !
We therefore organized several cultural and leisure outings with committed volunteers, building trust and mutual support between them and the unaccompanied minors from the Hospice Général.
Today, although support structures face significant shortages in human and financial resources, all stakeholders express strong interest in sustaining and expanding these outings.
On a professional level, UMRs often struggle to find internships or temporary jobs. Moreover, the driver’s license, an essential tool for long-term autonomy and integration, is not only very expensive, but also requires solid administrative support.
This is why, in 2026, our objective is to secure the necessary funding to support them in obtaining their driver’s license (administrative assistance and financial coverage).
What our activities involve ?
Discovering Outings
The principle is simple: organize outings outside school to complement the excellent daily work already carried out by reception structures. Using Van For Life vehicles or public transport, groups of 6–7 youths, accompanied by an educator and a guide-driver, explore the heritage of French-speaking Switzerland: nature, culture, sports, or professional environments !
"Mentor for a Day" Outings
These outings follow the same concept but involve larger groups : 15–20 youths, 3 educators, 1 driver, and 15–20 mentors acting as guides.
These activities address integration and discovery goals, raise local awareness of refugee challenges, and create meaningful relationships essential for successful integration. Volunteers are free to participate occasionally or commit further depending on their time and interest: brief interactions, shared moments, assistance with internships, or CV support ..!
How to participate ?
Every contribution matters! Interaction with the local population - young or adult - is at the heart of our approach. There are several ways to get involved :
Host a Discovery Outing
Spend a day showing an activity, place, profession, or sport you care about. Participation can be individual or corporate.
Be a "Mentor for a Day"
During a themed group outing, pair with a young refugee to act as a host, just as you would for a friend from afar.
Financial Sponsorship
Help fund an outing! This can include free tickets, donations for a specific day, etc. A list of activities and budgets is available on our website.
Direct Financial Support
You can also make a donation to Van For Life according to your budget and preference, mentioning “UMR Project.”
2026 Objective: Support 10 Youth in Obtaining Their Driver’s License
We are mobilizing to secure the funds needed to support a group of 10 young people in obtaining their driver’s license. This support will include administrative assistance, accompanied driving, and financial coverage. The license is a true lever for autonomy and self-confidence, and represents a key asset for sustainable socio-professional integration.
We warmly thank all volunteers and organizations who have already contributed to these activities !
