War, terror, repression: Around the world, more and more people are being forced to flee their homes. Many of those who find their way to Bremen have graduated from universities in their home countries. Now they are able to keep up and improve their academic skills by attending seminars and lectures at the University of Bremen. The first participants recently received their certificates. A first in Germany, the pilot project called IN Touch is to be continued – there is a need for sponsors, though.

"The project helped me a lot"

Back home in Syria, Youssef Fakie studied Business Administration. After fleeing the civil war in his home country, the 35-year-old found temporary accommodation at a hostel in Ludwig-Quidde-Straße in Hastedt, Bremen. He is not permitted to work and is still waiting for a decision on his application for asylum – together with 260 other refugees. There is no Internet access in the hostel. When the hostel director, Moussa Dieng, made contact with the University and the International Office (IO) agreed to start the "IN Touch" pilot project, Fakie jumped at the chance. Throughout the summer semester he attended a number of lectures and seminars, and was able to work undisturbed in the University Library and join in student work groups. Jens Kemper from the International Office was at hand to offer him and other participants support when needed, and make sure they were able to find their way around the campus. Kemper also established contact between the guest students and their lecturers, and showed them how to use the library and the Stud.IP online portal. Fakie says, "The project helped me a lot. I now want to take up studies as a 'real' student."

Different to other universities

"The unique feature of the pilot project is that the participants are able to take part directly in lectures and seminars", says Jens Kemper. That's not the case at other universities in Germany. The project is sending a signal, though. The universities of Hamburg and Osnabrück have expressed interest in learning more about the Bremen experience.

"The program has given people a new lease of life"

Recently, seven of the first cohort of participants under the scheme received their certificates. "They were all highly motivated from the outset", says Moussa Dieng, director of the hostel where they are staying. Unfortunately, a number of the first participants found the language barrier too great and had to drop out. But it certainly wasn’t a waste of time for them, either. They now want to go on to improve their German skills and perhaps rejoin the program at a later date. "The program has given people a new lease of life", he says. "They have regained hope in their future."

Sponsors needed

"IN Touch" is to be continued in the coming winter semester. However, in order for it to be sustained for any length of time the University badly needs sponsors and third-party funding. "Unfortunately, we can’t possibly fund the program out of our own very restricted resources and we must have outside support", says the University's Vice Rectress for Intercultural and International Affairs, Professor Yasemin Karakasoglu. "People don’t only need a roof over their heads, a feeling of safety and something to eat, but also a mental occupation."

All in all, the project represents a win-win situation for all concerned. "In the very near future Germany will be facing a shortage of graduates. It is therefore a good thing to interest migrants from other countries in studying here", she says. In the longer term, it is intended to recruit German students to help in the project.

If you might be interested in becoming a sponsor of this exemplary project, please get in touch with the International Office.
Jens Kemper
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