Many refugees have found shelter in the communities on the Bavarian Alps. In order to become familiar with the new environment and local people and to integrate quickly, the Malteser Hilfsdienst and the German Alpine Association have launched the project "A.L.M. - Alpen.Leben.Menschen ". They invite newly immigrated people and locals to joint activities in the Bavarian Alpine region. This facilitates the introduction to the mostly completely new living environment.
The project follows the approach of interactional integration, which succeeds in integration through positive interactions with the new environment. During typical alpine activities such as hiking, climbing tours or cozy evenings in the mountain lodge, the refugees become familiar with the region and its inhabitants. Practical measures on landscape maintenance such as road rehabilitation or protective forest plantations are also carried out. Thanks to the shared experiences, new and long-time Alpine residents come into contact with each other and friendships emerge. For children, special offers such as scavenger hunts or toboggan trips are provided.
One focus of the project is environmental education. In the joint activities, the new neighbors not only get to know each other, but also learn to appreciate the diversity of alpine nature. The project managers ensure that all participants are well equipped for a day in the mountains. Many volunteers participate in the activities as "A.L.M. pilots" to show their new neighbors the unique alpine nature. A one-day training course gives them the opportunity to learn more about refugee work, environmental education and the risks connected with mountain sports activities.
A.L.M.
Diözesangeschäftsstelle Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V.
Streitfeldstraße 1
81673 München
Opening hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30 am to 4 pm
(by appointment by phone)
Contact: Anna Schober
Tel.: +49 (0) 89 43608 184
anna.schober (at) alpenlebenmenschen.de