We observed that poor knowledge of the German language, individual interpretations of facts based on different sociocultural background and an insecure residential permission many refugees face, can worsen their traumata, panic attacks and psychosomatic disturbance. This may make integration difficult.

We aim to help to solve these problems in different ways. 

On one side we try to get the inner perspective by a close contact with refugees, asylum seeker and people with migration background, to be able to identify and analyse the problems (communication, different sociocultural and religious background) they face in Germany. Therefore we use different research methods, mainly the ethnographic interviews. They might be (semi-) structured, biographic, problem- or topic centred. We also carry out group discussions and join events and celebrations in Diaspora organisations and religious communities (e.g. African churches or mosque). We also help individual persons (translate documents, accompany them to hospital etc.). We also do case studies and try to understand the various worldviews in order to get a deeper understanding of the (communication and interpretation) problems some people with migration background may have in Germany.[1]

We will publish our findings (e.g. on our homepage, as scientific essays or books) to help to fill the research gab we found in the area of the refugees worldviews.  

On the other side we aim to develop strategies to improve the communication between refugees and the German society, based on our research findings. We will carry out seminars and develop information papers in different languages to inform refugees about basics in Germany. Thereby we will try to help asylum seekers and refugees to get a first orientation in the German society and to improve the "Welcome culture in Germany".

In this way we try to "help for orientation and problem evaluation" to strengthen hope for a better transcultural understanding.