29th of July 2021

Munich

Within the framework of the qualification programme THE CARE CHAMPIONS, 20 people with refugee backgrounds acquired knowledge in the basics of care and completed a care-specific German course over a period of 4 months. The participants came from a total of 14 different nations, including Gambia, Nigeria, Somalia, Iran, Togo, Syria and Afghanistan. During a two-week short internship in six facilities of different providers, the interns gained an interesting insight into the everyday work of a nursing home. 
The intensive program officially ends on 30 July 2021 with a closing event, at which all program participants receive a certificate that they can use to apply for an apprenticeship as a care assistant.

The Korian Foundation for Care and Ageing with Dignity supported the program, which was initiated by the non-profit organisation Social-Bee. "It is great that with THE CARE CHAMPIONS people with refugee backgrounds were given the opportunity to gain essential insights into the nursing profession. But not only that: we are happy to hear that two trainees were offered the opportunity to train as geriatric care assistants at Haus Walckerhof, Ludwigsburg. With this offer, Haus Walckerhof not only opens up a professional perspective, but also supports people with refugee backgrounds, in feeling at home in a foreign country," says Elisabeth Scharfenberg, Executive Director of the Korian Foundation.

And Omar Fayez, Stuttgart site manager of Social-Bee gGmbH adds: "The success of the CARE CHAMPIONS project shows us how we can make a contribution to integrating refugees in care in a short time. We definitely want to build on this and continue to contribute to alleviating the shortage of skilled workers here."
About the Korian Foundation for Care and Ageing with Dignity

The non-profit Korian Foundation for Care and Dignified Ageing, founded in 2020, aims to promote the development of care for the elderly and health care in Germany and abroad, as well as education, training, science and research in the field of care and medicine. The focus is on carers, for whom offers are developed that strengthen their physical and mental health. In this way, people in need of care are also considered. Dignity, recognition and respect for all parties - that is the holistic motto of the foundation.