What can I? What do I want – professionally? These questions were the leitmotif for a series of seminars in a shelter for refugees in Wandlitz. A team of two trainers and a translator (Arabic, Persian) applied parts of the Talent Compass with residents. The “TAKO” has the charm of starting with each individual and taking into account his/her activities, interests, values, professional environment (experience) and knowledge. In this way, everyone should become aware of their own resources. From this, ideas for one’s own professional orientation can be developed. The initial question is therefore not: What jobs are there and could I take on one of them? Rather, what are my options, and how can I turn them into a professional reality?
The cosmopolitan team members concentrated on activities and interests. They invited the participants of the colorful, mixed-gender group of “young adolescents” or young adults to first write down what they had already done on the respective day. The male participants mainly mentioned football, billiards, fitness training and language lessons. The girls/young women led cooking, taking care of siblings, watching videos and more. The activities were then presented to the group as a whole.
This was followed by the question of what the young people would like to do. They translated this question into their career aspirations. The boys and young men were enthusiastic about the idea of being footballers. Others want to work in a car repair shop or become a dental technician. Among the girls/young women were two who wanted to become doctors and one who was fascinated by making money via Youtube.
When the focus was on “interests“, general preferences were queried as well as professional interests were deepened. To this end, the trainer for the Talent Compass provided information about individual professions and the training required for them.
The concluding, fourth part of the series was reserved for individual consultations on professional development. This made it possible to include the wives and mothers as well.
The series showed how fragile trust can sometimes be – and that it can be built. To this end, it was helpful to realize that everyone involved is a learner: the immigrants need to understand how everything “works” in this country. The long-time residents can imagine what it means to have experienced war and to experience a culture shock after arrival. Integration is a change that affects everyone. This process takes time. Suggestions and contacts help – as is so often the case in life.
The series was part of the project “Anchoring in Limbo. World Explorations in Wandlitz” to support refugees in rural areas, funded by the abriporta Foundation.
