How Berlin's Mentorship Program Transformed a Young Refugee's Life Forever
Berlin currently hosts around 1,500 unaccompanied minor refugees, a number that has steadily declined since 2023. Over the past five years, the city has taken in roughly 12,500 young people arriving alone, with many finding stability through mentorship programmes. One success story is Farman S., now 20, whose close bond with his former guardian has shaped both their lives for the better.
Between 2021 and 2025, Berlin saw varying numbers of unaccompanied minors arriving each year. The Berlin Senate recorded 2,100 in 2021, rising to 3,200 in 2023 before dropping to 1,900 by 2025. While not all require volunteer support—some receive help from court-appointed or organisational guardians—many still benefit from one-on-one mentorship.
Farman S. arrived as a minor and was paired with a guardian through Akinda, a Berlin-based organisation. His experience highlights how such relationships can transform lives. Friends admitted he might not have succeeded without this support, and today, he remains close to his former guardian's family, spending weekends and holidays with them. The connection has been mutually enriching. Farman introduced his guardian's family to his own traditions, such as celebrating Eid al-Fitr and sharing Iftar meals. In return, he embraced German culture, gaining confidence and direction. Ronald Reimann, head of Akinda, notes that these mentorships often lead to shared progress, with young refugees motivated to pursue education and training. Currently, Akinda is searching for guardians for 15 young people, most of whom are around 16 years old and male. The commitment is long-term but manageable, and the organisation can tap into wider youth welfare networks to place even more minors in supportive homes.
The decline in new arrivals has not reduced the need for dedicated guardians. Programmes like Akinda continue to match minors with mentors, offering stability and opportunities. For Farman S. and others like him, these relationships provide a foundation for building a future in Germany.
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