“Building bridges: how a mentoring programme is empowering queer refugees for the German labour market”
Navigating the German labour market is often difficult for refugees – especially for queer refugees.Discrimination, cultural barriers and insecurities about how to deal with one’s own identity in the workplace are just some of the obstacles they may face. This is precisely where Tent Deutschland’s mentoring programme for LGBT*IQ refugees comes in. Why queer refugees […]
Navigating the German labour market is often difficult for refugees – especially for queer refugees.
Discrimination, cultural barriers and insecurities about how to deal with one’s own identity in the workplace are just some of the obstacles they may face. This is precisely where Tent Deutschland’s mentoring programme for LGBT*IQ refugees comes in.
Why queer refugees need special support
Not only do queer refugees often carry the burden of persecution and flight with them, but they also continue to face discrimination and prejudice in Germany – especially in their professional lives. The German labour market is a new and complex environment for many refugees: from application procedures to labour law standards and interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.
Queer refugees are faced with additional questions:
Can I be open about my identity?
What do I do if I experience discrimination?
What rights and protections do I have as a queer person?
Without targeted support, many are at risk of being employed below their abilities and qualifications. The mentoring programme run by Tent Deutschland provides an important bridge.
A strong mentoring programme for queer refugees
The programme prepares participants for entry into the German labour market over a period of six months. Mentors from various companies guide the queer refugees and support them individually.
The programme’s key building blocks:
Strengthening application skills: support in creating professional CVs and application folders.
Understanding the labour market: insights into German work culture, standards and practices in everyday working life.
Promoting self-confidence: The focus is on the strengths of the participants. How do I showcase my skills? How do I go into job interviews with confidence?
The role of mentors is particularly valuable: they provide practical advice to queer refugees as well as offering professional support. The goal is clear: strengthen the self-confidence of the participants and pave the way for them to find secure and fulfilling employment.
Registration and further information
Queer refugees who are interested in the programme can register via this link:
http://tent.org/mentees-Europe
A step towards a better future
The mentoring programme for LGBT*IQ refugees run by Tent Deutschland is making an important contribution to the integration and support of queer refugees. It shows that with targeted support, barriers can be broken down and opportunities created – for a diverse, inclusive and fairer working environment.
You can find more information about Tent Deutschland here: www.tent.org/Deutschland.