AUSTRIA
• Develop a sense of community
• Overcome any barriers to development and
achieve psychological stability
• Come to terms with their experiences and
accept their histories and paths in life
• Choose the right career
An individual plan outlining educational, pro-
fessional and social goals is developed together
with each of the young people.
The project offers an environment where the
young people can establish a daily routine, and
benefit from opportunities such as language
courses, information, cultural activities and
support in the areas of education, vocational
training and employment.
The two young people currently in the pro-
gramme are fully integrated into the student
facility’s life, interact on a daily basis with
German-speaking students and participate in
joint informal activities such as football games
or parties. There is also a “buddy programme”
which matches each of the young people with a
peer mentor. Local volunteer families also act
as mentors.
The staff of SOS Children’s Village Salzburg
help the young people to maintain contact with
their families. They also cooperate with the Red
Cross in family tracing matters and assist the
young people in submitting family reunification
claims.
I have applied for family reunification so that my family
can come here… It took me eight months or so [to pre-
pare and submit the application] when I was below 18.
I applied at 17. Now I got a negative decision; I was told
that now I am a grown-up, and my parents cannot come
here because I am already 18 years old… I just wanted
my parents to be able to live here… If [the authorities]
do not want my parents… why then do they give the
possibility to get help from the Red Cross? They should
stop this programme… My parents were issued a pass-
port [and other required documents]; this costs money
– I think 2000 to 3000 Euros… How can they find all this
money? [If the authorities don’t want to allow family
reunification and bring the parents of unaccompanied
children] why do they provide information and instruc-
tions on what you have to do and then they reject you? If
it’s not possible, why do they say it is?
Fawad, 18-year-old boy from Afghanistan
All staff working with the young people have
relevant education and receive specialised
training in the needs of unaccompanied and
separated children and child refugees. Group
supervision is also provided to the staff of SOS
Children Village Salzburg.
The programme is the first of its kind in Austria.
It could be replicated across the country in
order to provide care and support for other
unaccompanied children and young people, in
particular those who are motivated to pursue
formal education.
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