gemma! – GEMEINSAM MACHEN Verein zur Förderung des interkulturellen Austauschs junger Menschen
Schießstattgasse 12, 8010 Graz
We are a young, committed association that promotes intercultural exchange between young people through diverse leisure activities, various projects, workshops and an advice centre (Erzählcafé & Infobüro). Our activities are based on the interests, concerns and needs of our participants and seek to create space for integration and inclusion. Our goal is to facilitate active dialogue between young people from different cultures and thus contribute towards a society of peaceful and respectful togetherness.
Through our personal motivation to promote change in the field of integration, we have come together and created a team. We believe in integration as a reciprocal process that provides social and cultural enrichment. With these ideals in mind, we enable young newcomers to become familiar with Austrian culture through direct encounters, helping them to feel part of our society. At the same time, we offer young Austrians the space to approach other cultures, meet new people and contribute towards a more cohesive society. In this way, we learn from each other and create a positive and respectful sense of togetherness. Our Team
Leisure activities: football, cultural trips, regulars’ table, women days, picnics, etc.
Duration: since September 2016
Results: We seek to facilitate integration in a natural way and to give participants the freedom to shape their intercultural exchanges according to their own ideas. These activities, which are chosen by the participants, take place in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, allowing young people from different cultures to get to know one another and enjoy a lively exchange. These experiences often results in friendships, at the same time as offering young people the opportunity to build a social network.
Duration: since March 2017
Results: In March 2017, we set up the Erzählcafé & Infobüro (Community Café and Information Office), helping young people make contact with the authorities (for such actions as registration, deregistration, employment service appointments, assistance with the asylum process, etc.), find housing, find employment and navigate the application process. It also enables our participants to exchange views over a cup of coffee or tea.
Duration: since September 2016
Results: Support in learning German, but also in studying for exams. Thanks to our study buddies, we are also able to offer private coaching.
Job Service for Asylum Seekers
Duration: since September 2017
Results: We offer our participants to promote their domestic services through our website. Through the domestic service voucher scheme, Asylum Seekers are allowed to work.
We also hold workshops and projects that seek to help participants discover their own talents and interests, as well as carry out activities that may correspond to future professional goals. In preparing for various events, we also carry out smaller projects in which we work to create and achieve something together.
Future Projects
Life Coaching and Social Counselling
Start in April 2019
Finished Projects
Language booklet for German, Syrian Arabic and Farsi/Dari
Other Finished Projects
Music: playing music together and learn how to play an instrument
Duration: September 2016 – September 2018, Final concert
Workshops
Handicraft workshops: gemma! Nähen (let’s sew), furniture making, serigraphy…
Sports workshops: tennis, kung fu
Arts workshops: Photography
Integration activities at the Waldorf school Graz school year 2016/2017 and summer semsters 2018.
SEKEM Österreich, Stadtteilzentrum Jakomini, Freie Waldorfschule Graz, ISOP, Wakmusic, etc.
Yes, we have had 6 interns, who finished or are finishing heir obligatory internship at our association.
About NGEurope
NGEurope: Promoting European social cohesion through leadership and change engagement by NGOs
