Helping Newcomers Navigate Their New Journey: The Neighborhood Mothers Program

Watkins, C. (n.d.). [Photo of a bus passing by Humboldt Forum in Berlin, a centre for culture and science]

For newcomers, the integration process is quite challenging, which frequently causes them to experience difficulties performing tasks that they are required to complete. So the question is: How might we assist newcomers in navigating daily activities while helping them feel like a part of our community? The Neighbourhood Mothers program in Berlin is a truly heartwarming and inspiring initiative to support immigrants' integration into the new community. The program trains “Neighbourhood Mothers” from various backgrounds by introducing them to all the opportunities and institutions for immigrant families, by visiting advisory and health centers, and even district offices. Following these experiences, "Neighborhood Mothers" chat to several families and assist them with basic tasks including communicating with the children's teachers, accompanying family members to appointments, helping them with completing out required paperwork, directing them to various resources, and much more. Programs such as this could be an integral part of a newcomers’ life that would help them integrate into society while feeling connected to a part of their home back home.

-Melanie B.-