Aquatic instruction programs for refugee kids and adolescents
Wiesbaden Swimming Club Launches Integration Initiative for Refugee Children
The Schwimm-Club Wiesbaden, a local sports club with a commitment to integration, is set to begin swimming courses for refugee children aged 10 to 15 from Monday, August 25, at the ESWE leisure pool.
The first round of lessons, funded by Wiesbaden's Economic Forum e.V., focuses on education, integration, and equal opportunities, with a further course for children aged 5 to 8 starting from Saturday, August 30, at the Kleinfeldchen.
Christoph Eichler, President of Schwimm-Club Wiesbaden 1911 e.V., emphasizes the importance of the initiative from a sporting perspective, stating that learning to swim means not only safety but also participation. The project aims to enable children, regardless of their origin or financial situation, to participate in swimming activities.
Qualified trainers from Schwimm-Club Wiesbaden will conduct the courses, and the club has already provided a new sporting home for a group of refugee Ukrainian athletes. The project demonstrates the effective, unbureaucratic collaboration between civil society, administration, and sports clubs in Wiesbaden.
The symbolic handover of the swimming project took place through Wiesbaden's Economic Forum e.V. and Schwimm-Club Wiesbaden 1911 e.V. to Dr. Patricia Becher, representing the city administration of Wiesbaden. Dr. Becher thanked all those involved for their exceptional commitment and emphasized the project's importance for children and young people who often come under difficult circumstances.
Susanne Köllmann, a member of the board, and Christa Frosch, the PR representative of Wiesbaden's Economic Forum e.V., stated that social engagement is a conviction for them, not an obligation. They encourage citizens to contact the responsible department or office for any questions about the project.
The city's social and administrative services will ensure the participation of the target group, and the project aims to teach refugee children and young people to swim safely, promoting self-confidence, participation, and joy. The Press Office of the State Capital Wiesbaden issued this press release.
The Schwimm-Club Wiesbaden's integration initiative for refugee children extends beyond swimming lessons, as they envision a lifestyle that embraces outdoor-living, including home-and-garden activities. The club's objective is to provide a conducive environment for children, enabling them to enjoy swimming and other leisure activities, fostering a sense of well-being and belonging.
