Examples: Immigrants and players in the field of integration work tell their stories
Here players in the field of integration work report on the comprehensive advisory services and immigrants with all their personal history of integration encourage people to take advantage of these services.
Source: Marion Vogel
Svetlana Mycyk (37), Russia
I am an ethnic German repatriate and I have been living in Germany for two years. At the beginning everything was very hard. I couldn’t speak any German and everything was very strange. Then I attended an integration course and did three further language courses. Now I feel better. I understand nearly everything and I am no longer afraid to reply to questions. At home, we watch television in German only and I often help my children with their homework. This helps me to learn German grammar even more accurately.
I have also already done three work placements at a children’s nursery. In Russia, I was a pre-school teacher and I would be very happy to be able to continue working in this area in Germany.
I can go to the initial advisory services whenever I have problems. I know that I will always receive help here. Although I have been living in Germany for some time now I still have a deep fear of doing something wrong. I am afraid that I don’t yet know all the rules. That’s why I go to the advisory services. When I’ve spoken to the people there I know what to do. I feel that the advisor has the answers to all my questions. If I stick to her advice, I feel more secure. Sometimes, I receive letters which have very complicated words in them. If I am not sure that I have understood everything correctly, I can take the letters to the advisory services.
Source: Marion Vogel
Habib Hamdard (49), Afghanistan
I have been advising immigrants since 1993 and have been working with the initial advisory services since 2005. I studied philosophy, psychology and social sciences in Afghanistan. Then I worked as an advisor in Afghanistan and then later in Pakistan and India, too. So, I had been working in this area for a long time before I came to Germany. First, I did some work experience here and then I began working as an advisor. It was a distinct advantage to be able to speak eight languages. I also know from personal experience what it feels like to live in a foreign country. People come to the advisory services with lots of different problems. Many people have language difficulties or social problems, others are looking for work or wish to do some training. My colleagues and I try to help everyone.
Source: Marion Vogel
Miro Radwan (47), Syria
I have been living in Germany for a few years. When I arrived, I couldn’t speak any German. Then I attended an integration course. At first, I found the language difficult to understand, particularly prepositions. Luckily, my teachers were very good and very nice. That has helped me a lot. I’m going to the initial advisory services again now because I need help with a job application. I am a chemical engineer and would really like to work in this area again. Unfortunately, it is not easy to do so. So there is a lot depending on this application. I think that little mistakes could be very crucial which is why I am seeking help. When I first arrived in Germany, I visited the initial advisory services a lot but I haven’t been there for a long time. Now I need help again.
Source: Marion Vogel
Golbahar Pourabdollah (40), Iran
I have been in Germany for a year because my husband is working here. I like Germany a lot although it is not easy for me here. It is very difficult to find work. I studied Chemistry in Iran. I would take any kind of work here but I wouldn’t like to be a cleaner. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to work as an analytical chemist. I have received help from the initial advisory services to find work and with all sorts of other problems. I have come here today because I have questions about child benefits.
