Recharging your batteries through encounters

For the first time, people who are in a life crisis in the canton of Zug can receive a free offer of everyday support. This is to be initiated by the FRW Intercultural Dialogue Association, which has been committed to civil society for eight years.

The FRW Intercultural Dialogue association has created 27 meeting places in the canton. People from all nations and generations can meet at these places to cook together, play sports, learn German or do something creative. From 2013 onwards, the association has been committed to giving migrants and refugees a new home and a sense of ’Friede, Respekt and Würde’ (peace, respect and dignity) - hence FRW. Around 50 events are held every month, with up to 180 volunteers participating.

It is good to see how well the projects have taken off, says FRW founder and coordinator Eva Wimmer. The need for another offer is nevertheless shown. “Many of the refugees who come to us are traumatised, but the association can hardly provide therapeutic help with the limited contribution they receive from the canton. “On the other hand, there is no possibility in the canton of Zug for mentally ill people to continue care after leaving the clinic. For this reason, the FRW Intercultural Dialogue association wants to create a free offer for reintegration into everyday life this year. This should be worked out in cooperation with cantonal institutions and experts.

Specifically, Wimmer and her team are planning various additional projects in the field of health and lifestyle. "People who are in a life crisis should be able to express their emotions through dance, music, painting or nature, and thus regain their joie de vivre," explains Wimmer. She wants to create a place for people in particular need of protection, where they can spend their free time meaningfully. The meetings are intended to recharge the participants and maintain a weekly structure, and are supported by therapeutically trained staff.

A first room for such offers will open at the Chollerhalle in Zug at the beginning of March, and a second will follow in the Riedmatt district in the middle of the year. In the Choller, they will work closely with the Badabum Atelier, with the music and rhythm activities open to all residents, emphasises Wimmer. In addition, a special offer for families with small children is to be created. "Families in difficult life situations should learn, in a therapeutic setting, how they can specifically support their children," says Wimmer. They hope to receive support for these projects from foundations and sponsors, although the financing of the framework conditions for the projects is already largely secured. The organisation is now significantly supported by the Reformed and Catholic Church in Zug. The canton also contributed for the first time this year, with a contribution of CHF 70,000 from the lottery fund. A clear sign, as government councillor Andreas Hostettler confirms: “Thanks to the association, around 15,000 hours of voluntary work are carried out annually in the areas of language support, cultural exchange and in the context of cultural and sporting events.”

The association helps to expand the dialogue and exchange between locals and immigrants, said Hostettler. "We value this commitment as a useful addition to the integration mandate of the Cantonal Social Office, but it is also valuable for the volunteers involved in the FRW."

The aim of the FRW Intercultural Dialogue association is to further develop the offers of re-integration in cooperation with the Office for Health, the Psychiatric Service and Triaplus AG. An expert discussion has already taken place, and another is planned for April. Eva Wimmer emphasizes that it is an ongoing process that involves a three-year pilot phase. "We are still at the very beginning, but we see that our projects are being accepted and have potential."

An example of this is Amina Hajmohammad. The Kurd came to Switzerland from Syria six years ago, and became aware of the FRW Intercultural Dialogue at the Steinhausen transit station. Thanks to the organisation, Amina learned German and has found a new home in Zug. “The people here have given me back my dignity and have become my family.” she said. “Without the FRW, I would probably not be doing so well today.” Amina is now employed at the association’s office, and interprets at events for participants who do not yet speak German.