Mentoring for migrants: Ahmed's dream of studying architecture realized!

Mentoring for migrants: Ahmed's dream of studying architecture realized!

Berlin, Deutschland - On May 27, 2025, it becomes clear how important mentoring programs are for the integration of young refugees in Germany. An exemplary example is Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, an 18-year-old who came to Germany with his family from Egypt ten years ago. First of all, his career was made difficult by linguistic hurdles and uncertainties regarding his future. Nevertheless, he discovered his passion for architecture when he helped his family to build house. However, his goal of studying architecture seemed unreachable for a long time.

ahmed found support in the mentoring project "hurdle jumper" of the Unionhilfswerk, where he is looked after by Gunter Sterz, a 73-year-old former managing director of the pharmaceutical industry. The two have been meeting a week for three years to achieve Ahmed's school and professional goals. Gunter not only helped him with applications and school presentations, but also acts as a kind of paternal mentor. Ahmed describes him as "almost like a second father".

The mentoring program "hurdles"

The "hurdle jumpers" program has formed a total of 1,450 tandems of refugees, trainees and students: inside 15 years ago. It receives support of one million euros from the state of Berlin every year. Ahmed decided to train as a draftsman to finally study architecture. Thanks to Gunter's support, he was also able to gain first practical experience during his internship at an architectural firm. Ahmed's supervisor, Martin Menacher, sees advantages in the mentor mentee relationship that promote the exchange between young and old.

mentoring programs such as "hurdle jumpers" contribute to reducing social inequalities by supporting disadvantaged children. An evaluation of mentoring programs by the socio-economic panel (SOEP), the Institute for Labor Market and Vocational Research (IAB) and the Association Start With A Friend e.V. (Swaf) shows that such programs contribute decisively to the integration of refugees. The study "Mentoring of Refugees (more)" looks at the development of 733 refugees, of which 465 were interested in participating in the SWAF program.

challenges for refugee young people

Young refugees often face challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, linguistic barriers and an education system unknown to them. The spatial separation of families and the processing of severe memories also make the restart difficult. Projects such as the IRC program "Two with the goal" offer young refugees a valuable support. This one-year mentoring program is funded by the Klaus Tschira Foundation and brings refugees with mentor: inside that help you with professional and personal goals.

An example is 31-year-old Asmaa from Damascus, who fled to Germany due to the 2014 war. Through the mentoring, Asmaa has gained clarity about her goals and would like to continue her studies in English literature. Halmat, a 25-year-old refugee from Iraq, also benefits from his mentoring to navigate through bureaucratic processes. The program has successfully brought together numerous mentor since its start in May 2021.

Overall, these programs underline the need to support young refugees in order to promote social integration and equal opportunities. Ahmeds and Asmaas stories are examples of how mentoring can have a positive impact on the life paths of young people.

For a detailed analysis of the mentoring programs, the reporting of rbb24 , irc referred.