How Willich's Refugee Aid Transformed Lives Through Work and Community
Willich’s refugee aid programme has helped many newcomers build new lives in the city. Over the years, volunteers and local services have supported their integration. Now, several success stories highlight how refugees have found work, training, and stability in the community. When the refugee crisis peaked in 2015 and 2016, Willich residents responded with openness and practical support. More than 200 volunteers from local groups and individuals stepped in to assist. Regine Hofmeister, who coordinates municipal and volunteer social services for refugee aid, has witnessed the results firsthand. She points to at least 40 to 50 cases where refugees have successfully integrated into work and daily life.
Mohamad Halawi, now 35, fled Lebanon for Germany in 2015. Today, he works in technical plant development at Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics. His long-term ambition is to run his own business, possibly in technology, the auto industry, or hospitality, within the next decade.
Yevheniia Babak arrived in Willich in 2023 after escaping Ukraine with her three children. She now works at the Bütt swimming pool and aims to qualify as a certified pool operator or sports teacher. Her focus remains on securing a stable future for her family.
Another refugee, Mohamad Shakara, joined his mother in Germany in 2019. The 24-year-old Syrian now works for Willich’s municipal services. His next steps include completing a machinery course and obtaining a German driver’s licence. The experiences of Halawi, Babak, and Shakara reflect broader progress in Willich’s integration efforts. With ongoing volunteer support and municipal coordination, refugees continue to find employment and training opportunities. Their contributions now form part of the city’s workforce and community life.
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