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.
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.
Une intégration positive
Integration through interaction with the local population is essential, allowing young refugees to open up to their host country, and vice versa.
This dual approach raises awareness among locals about the challenges of successful integration while benefiting both the community and new arrivals.
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
Building on our successful first experience with the “host family” program for Ukrainian refugees repatriated during our convoys, and responding to the strong desire of these minors to build relationships, we allocated an additional budget to support these activities.
We organized cultural and leisure outings with committed volunteers, fostering trust and mutual support between them and the UMRs at the Hospice Général.
Despite limited human and financial resources, all stakeholders have expressed strong interest in sustaining and expanding these outings.
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.”
We warmly thank all volunteers and organizations who have already contributed to these activities !
