The village of Friedland became the place of the largest German refugee camp after WWII. In March 1946, the first workcamp of SCI Germany took place there in cooperation with the British SCI branch IVSP. Out of this engagement, local volunteers founded SCI Germany. 70 years later, many refugees, mainly from the Arab world, pass through the camp. The local Museum Friedland now reflects on the different refugee movements and reactions in different times. We will work in a community garden with locals and refugees and study the history of past and present forced migration in Europe. We want to find out why borders between countries are protected so well, and those between people so badly, and set a sign for refugee solidarity!

Type of Work: The community garden at the outskirts of Friedland will be prepared for future use by constructing fences and beds for the plants and harvesting fruits. The garden is a platform for interaction of refugees, locals and volunteers. Therefore, the group will invite refugees and other interested, and connect it to other international garden projects in Göttingen. At the end, we will celebrate an open day for refugees and the village and present the outcomes of our work together with the museum, Caritas and other local institutions.

Study Theme:
The main theme of the study part is borders. Borders unite and divide groups and individuals politically, socially or psychologically. Our goal is to outline the borders that are set between refugees and the receiving citizens. In the second week, intensive workshops with the migrant theatre Boat People Projekt will explore the borders of self-expression. Refugee families with children, local youths and volunteers will present their insights in the summer celebration. Other study parts analyze political borders, mainly between the EU and the Middle East.

The deadline for applications is May, 20th. The full description and call for applications is enclosed here and can also be found under https://www.workcamps.info/icamps/DE-SCI/de/camp-details/camp-10984.html
The application through SALTO is only possible through the digitl questionnaire on the SALTO website.

Click here for more information and registration