Posted on 29/5/2016

Unaccompanied minors

This support and solidarity project called “1 set de + à table /One more for dinner”, launched and led by the Swiss Foundation of the International Social Service, aims to promote the development and integration of young migrants in Switzerland by creating social relationships of mutual trust.

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It will focus on the relational aspect, and can be seen as a further resource that dovetails with the institutional framework in place for these young people. It is part of, and complementary to, the continuous efforts being made by the authorities to care for these children.  Moreover, it comes in answer to a request made by the young people themselves, i.e. to meet their needs in terms of social integration.

Why the “1 set de + à table /One more for dinner” project?

Firstly, the minor migrants arrive in Switzerland alone, without any parents or adults by their side. These children, known as unaccompanied migrant minors, are often isolated, and find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. Secondly, many people living in Switzerland are looking to engage in voluntary work in support of young people.  However, currently, there are only a few possibilities for young migrants to establish contact with volunteer sponsors.

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To meet this need, the Swiss Foundation of the International Social Service (ISS) is launching the project “1 set de + à table /One more for dinner”. This initiative aims to accompany young migrants, offering them individual support through voluntary work.

What role is the ISS playing? 

The ISS is spearheading the project, and its mission is to launch and to promote the “1 set de + à table /One more for dinner” project across Switzerland by mobilising civil society to bolster support for young migrants. 

To this end, the ISS will be ensuring the following services:

  • A framework that will allow it to ensure relations run smoothly
  • Support for associations in charge of the project in the different Swiss cantons
  • An information hotline
  • Info meetings
  • Evenings intended for volunteer sponsors allowing them to exchange their own experiences

A local partner will coordinate the project. This project is also being organised in partnership with children’s homes

For more information about the programme and about isolated minors, you can visit the site: www.solidarity-young-migrants.ch

The Swiss Foundation of the ISS is the Swiss branch of the International Social Service, operating in more than 140 countries.  For more than 80 years, it has been active in the fields of migration and child welfare.