"Be Welcome": Sponsorships That Bring People Together
“Be Welcome,” EVIM’s successful mentoring program, celebrated its tenth anniversary last year. It has become a tradition to hold a summer party with the mentors and those they mentor.
A wonderful venue for this event was the Campus Klarenthal school, where a buffet was set up in the cafeteria for the 11th time, and the two young Turkish musicians, Yavuz and Ibrahim, played jazz and Turkish songs. A small exhibition featuring paintings by Sana Aslami (10) from Afghanistan, Genan Khadrou (16) from Syria, and Geeta (19) from Afghanistan impressed the guests. People from many countries, their families, and the sponsors were able to chat comfortably at tables decorated with sunflowers. Childcare was provided. Andrea Walter, the program director, welcomed everyone and reported that the program is secured and will continue through 2029. There had been a few challenging “cases” this past year; for example, a family from Afghanistan with three children with disabilities had asked for help, which naturally posed a major challenge for potential sponsors. However, Andrea Walter expressed her satisfaction that, by joining forces, they were able to help this family as well. One of the two language groups that had existed so far had just been disbanded, as the participants are now studying, working, or otherwise occupied. The group would like to start a new group again. Many new connections were made last year, even beyond Wiesbaden’s city limits into the Rheingau-Taunus district. And with the company LilianHelp, they have found a competent counseling center in Mainz that provides valuable assistance. Andrea Walter and Christopher Schmitt thanked everyone involved. Both sides benefit from the initiative. It’s worthwhile to support people, “and it’s fun to watch them grow,” said Andrea Walter. Her thought regarding the current political situation is “now more than ever!” Even a small local project can have a far-reaching impact. Rita Brechtmann from the Volunteer Center extended an invitation to a workshop for mentors on November 7 at the Luisenforum. “Be Welcome” is one of 47 mentoring projects in Wiesbaden that she supports through her department at the Volunteer Center. (abp)