I needed people to help me get back on my feet

Mohammed S. has a specific goal: he wants to return to Gambia from Germany as soon as the travel restrictions associated with the corona pandemic are lifted. That is the 43-year-old's country of origin and where his wife and four children are still living. Mohammed S. wanted to offer them a better life, so some years ago he left his home town of Sare Hamadi in the Upper River region in the far east of the country and set off for Europe. He now reflects on that step with regret. "It was a mistake."

Mohammed S. is currently living in an initial reception facility in Heidelberg. He arrived in Europe at the end of 2015 and first stayed in Italy for a few years. There he struggled by with odd jobs, mostly helping on farms with the harvest. His desire to return to Gambia grew stronger over time. "I miss my family. My sons and daughters keep asking me when I'm coming home."

A contact from the diakonie aid organisation at the initial reception centre put Mohammed S. in touch with David Badu from Bildung und Berufliche Qualifizierung gGmbH/Newplacement International (BBQ/NPI). Reintegration scout Rafael Osterloh also became involved in the case via the local return counselling service at the regional council in Karlsruhe. Together with Mohammed S. they developed plans for his future in Gambia. "He is determined to return," is Badu's impression. "And he's very clear about what he wants to do in Gambia," says Osterloh.

Mohammed S. ran a small shop before he left Gambia. He sold food, stationery and other everyday items. He would really like to reopen this shop. Badu and Osterloh, together with Mohammed S., are considering the possibility of developing several mainstays. His family already owns animals, so an expansion of their livelihood in agriculture would also be conceivable.

Already in touch with local contacts

Rafael Osterloh therefore put Mohammed S. in touch with Daouda Niang for a personal consultation. His is director of the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute and a lecturer in tourism at the University of the Gambia. As part of the country's tourist network, Niang could be a good contact when it comes to selling agricultural products to hotels, for example. David Badu has also put Mohammed S. in touch with the Red Cross in Gambia. A Red Cross coach could assist him to apply for support after his return, for instance from the European Return and Reintegration Network (ERRIN).

Mohammed S. is sad that the corona pandemic has delayed his return, but he understands. "It's for our own protection. I'd like to stay healthy myself and also wish this for everyone else. Above all, I don't want to transmit the virus to my family in Gambia." There are comparatively few cases in Gambia at the moment and restrictions are gradually being eased. The consequences for the economy could nevertheless be huge. Mohammed S. is likely to be returning in a difficult economic period.

Online business start-up course from Social Impact StartHope@Home

He is using this time in Germany to prepare for the stage after his return. Among other things, he is taking an online course from Social Impact StartHope@Home. This course imparts knowledge such as accounting or marketing to people who want to become self-employed. Mohammed S. is thrilled. "I'm gathering lots of ideas about how to improve the running of my business in Gambia." Osterloh also wants to apply for a course for Mohammed S. run by the Sparkassenstiftung (a bank charity). Its interactive business simulations help future new businesses with cost calculations and other aspects of business management.

Mohammed S. is grateful for this support. "I can walk on my own. "But I needed people to help me get back on my feet"

"The travel restrictions are for our own protection. I'd like to stay healthy and wish this for everyone else. Above all, I don't want to transmit the virus to my family in Gambia."

Mohammed S.

Further opportunities

Preparing & initial help from ERRIN
Want to return to Afghanistan and need support? Are you for example looking for accommodation or further assistance with training and job hunting? The ERRIN network is here to help.
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Support with job hunting
Looking for a job, training course or practical placement in Gambia? Baden-Württemberg's industrial education organisation provides you with support to do this.
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Working without qualifications
It is almost impossible to find a job in Germany without qualifications. This means you will probably not be granted a work visa. This is where you can find advice centres near you.
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Basic course in job hunting
Here you learn how to hunt for jobs in the international labour market. You are given information about job search websites. Trained specialists help you.
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Basic course in the building trade
Here you learn the basics of the building trade. Professionals show you how to lay blocks and plaster walls, for example. The course is taught in Osnabrück (Lower Saxony).

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Working without a job qualification
It is very difficult to find work in Germany without a job qualification. But it is possible. If you have a fixed job, you can apply for a visa.
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Working without a job qualification
It is very difficult to find work in Germany without a job qualification. But it is possible. If you have a fixed job, you can apply for a visa.
more information
Working without a job qualification
It is very difficult to find work in Germany without a job qualification. But it is possible. If you have a fixed job, you can apply for a visa.
more information
English as a second and foreign language
Here you can improve your English. This opens up new prospects for you. Good English is especially important in tourism and gastronomy.
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Basic course in hairdressing and cosmetics
Here you learn the basics of hairdressing and cosmetics. Professionals show you drying and dyeing techniques, for example. The course is taught in Osnabrück (Lower Saxony).
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Basic course in irrigation technology
Here you learn the basics of irrigation technology. Professionals give you valuable tips. You learn how to use water economically in gardening and agriculture.
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Qualification in welding
Here you can improve your English. This opens up new prospects for you. Good English is especially important in tourism and gastronomy.
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Basic course in construction technology
Here you learn how to build or repair buildings. Specialists will teach you. You get lots of practical tips. The course is taught in Bebra (north-east Hesse).
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Vocational training
The dual training system in Germany involves working in a company as well as theoretical learning. You attend a vocational college. Although you need a place and a visa.
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Basic course in plumbing, heating and air conditioning
Here you learn the basics of plumbing, heating and air conditioning: professionals show you how to solder pipework. The course is taught in Osnabrück (Lower Saxony).
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Basic course in service provision
Here you learn which services offer good job opportunities. Professionals give you valuable tips. The courses are taught in north and east Hesse.
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Start-ups for women
Here you can gain the basic knowledge you need for a start-up in your country of origin. This course is intended for women. It is kept simple and is also suitable for those who can't read or write.
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Application training for new opportunities
Here you learn how to write a CV correctly. This increases your chances of finding a suitable job.
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Basic course in photovoltaic systems
Energy from the sun. Photovoltaic systems. Solar electricity. How do these work? Our course answers questions on this subject. The course is available at various places in north and east Hesse.
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Financial help to return home
You might not have to pay to return to Kosovo. Please ask whether financial help is available to you.
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Basic course in hairdressing
Here you learn the basics of the hairdressing trade. Professionals show you how to cut, dye and style hair. The course is taught in Bad Hersfeld (north-east Hesse).
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Advice on career opportunities
Thinking of returning to your homeland? We can advise you. You will receive information on career opportunities and suitable training courses.
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Sales training
Here you practice how to sell products successfully. Professionals give you valuable tips. The courses are taught in north and east Hesse.
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Working with qualifications
Would you like to work as a specialist in Germany? Your options depend on your profession. You also need to speak German and have your qualifications recognised.
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Build your own solar cooker
Cook with the sun's energy: here you learn how to build a solar cooker yourself. The course is taught in Bad Hersfeld (north-east Hesse).
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Financial help to return home
You might not have to pay to return to your home country. You might also be able to get some cash.
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Basic course in tourism
Here you learn the basics of tourism. Professionals give you valuable tips for successful travel programmes. The courses are taught in north and east Hesse.
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Basic course in baking
The basics of baking: professionals show you how to bake bread, rolls and cakes. You also learn about sales. The course is taught in Bebra (north-east Hesse).
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Improving your career prospects
This course helps you prepare for the job market. You can extend your career knowledge and improve your personal abilities.
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Basics for hotel, gastronomy and tourism
Here you can attend a course if you would like to work in gastronomy, in a hotel or in tourism.
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Find advice in your area
Are you thinking about returning to your home country? Here you can look for a counselling centre to advise you on returning home.
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Help for women in need
Are you seeking help because you feel threatened? Are you experiencing violence or being exploited?
Women in need are helped at SOLWODI. The advice is free of charge and individual.

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Basic course in working with wood
Here you learn the basics of woodworking. Professionals show you how to build cabinets, for example. The course is taught in Osnabrück (Lower Saxony).
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Cooking with solar energy
Use solar energy to cook. Prepare food with renewable energy. How does that work? Our course answers this question. The course is taught in Bad Hersfeld (north-east Hesse).
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Basic course in painting and varnishing
Here you can learn the basics of painting and varnishing. Professionals show you how to paint or wallpaper walls. The course is taught in Osnabrück (Lower Saxony).
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Introduction to electrical installation
Here you can learn the basics of electrical installation, e.g. tool design or the structure of circuits. The course is taught in Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia).
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Computer course
Here you can gain practical IT skills. You learn about the main programmes and find out how to search for something via the internet. That helps you both in your career and personally.
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Tourism
Here you gain a basic knowledge of tourism. This allows you to prepare for working in this sector.
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Basic course in business start-ups
Got a business concept? Like to become self-employed? Like to work in accounting? This will give you the basic knowledge you need!
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Welding: course with certificate
Here you learn how to work with metal. At the end of the course in Bad Hersfeld (north-east Hesse) you can sit a test and be awarded a certificate.
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Basic course in vehicle technology
Interested in cars and technology? Here you can gain a basic knowledge of vehicle technology. You can even work on cars yourself.
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Working with a university degree
Are you an academic and interested in working in Germany? Your options depend on your area of expertise. You need to have your degree recognised.
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On the path to being self-employed
Like to start your own business? Here you can discuss the benefits and disadvantages. You also learn the basics of economic calculation.
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Setting up a business
Want to set up your own business in Germany? This requires good start-up planning.
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Basic course in gastronomy
Here you learn the basics of gastronomy. Professionals give you valuable tips for working successfully in restaurants. Courses are taught in Bad Hersfeld and Bebra.
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Bicycle mechanics
Here you can learn the basics of bicycle mechanics. This involves a lot of practical work, learning key technical terms and extending your knowledge in mathematics.
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University studies
Studying at a German university is definitely a good choice, although you do have to meet various requirements. This is where you can find information.
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Information telephone
Are you thinking about returning to your home country? Here you can get some basic information about returning home.
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Basic course in drinking water filters
Learn the basics of operating drinking water filters for use in homes. Professionals give you valuable tips on clean water.
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Basic course in working with metal
Hier lernen Sie den Metallbau kennen. Profis zeigen Ihnen, wie man Metalle bearbeitet. Der Kurs findet in Osnabrück (Niedersachsen) statt.
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Courses in textiles, crafts, maths
Training for women. You will learn basic practical skills in the areas of sewing, knitting, crafts and mathematics. The coursesarerun in theRhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
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Variouscareer-relatedcourses
Training in many areas. For example sewing, computers, cookery, make-up, nursing care, bookkeeping, English, German for tourism. These coursesarerun in Mannheim, Germany.
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Various practical trainingcourses
Training involving theory and practical courses. For example warehousing, logistics, vehicle mechanics, tailoring or nursing care and hygiene. In Meppen, LowerSaxony, Germany.
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Online course in social work

The Kiron learning platform offers courses at university level. It conveys a wide spectrum of theoretical and scientific knowledge about social work.
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Plumbing, heating and air conditioning
This is where you can learn about plumbing, heating and air conditioning. Installing or maintaining systems, for example. The course is held in Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia).
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Introduction to electrical engineering
This is where you can learn the basics of electrical engineering, including tool design, key mathematics and the structure of circuits. The course is taught in Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia).
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Online course in business and economics
Die Lernplattform „Kiron“ bietet Module auf Hochschulniveau: theoretische Grundlagen von Wirtschaftssystemen und praxisnahe Betriebswirtschaft.
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Start-up opportunities
Got a business concept? Want to become self-employed in your country of origin? Need help to start? At StartHope@Home you will find courses and advice.
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Business game: running a company
On this course you will play the role of an entrepreneur. It involves some simple exercises. These exercises are practical. You will learn basic business principles.
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Introduction to painting and decorating
Here you can learn the basics of painting and decorating, e.g. coating techniques. The course is taught in Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia).
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Financial help to return home
You might not have to pay to return to your home country.
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Introduction to metal construction
Here you can learn the basics of metal construction, e.g. understanding materials and handling different tools and machines. The course is taught in Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia).
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I needed people to help me get back on my feet

Further opportunities

Preparing & initial help from ERRIN

Support with job hunting

Working without qualifications

Basic course in job hunting

Basic course in the building trade

Working without a job qualification

Working without a job qualification

Working without a job qualification

English as a second and foreign language

Basic course in hairdressing and cosmetics

Basic course in irrigation technology

Qualification in welding

Basic course in construction technology

Vocational training

Basic course in plumbing, heating and air conditioning

Basic course in service provision

Start-ups for women

Application training for new opportunities

Basic course in photovoltaic systems

Financial help to return home

Basic course in hairdressing

Advice on career opportunities

Sales training

Working with qualifications

Build your own solar cooker

Financial help to return home

Basic course in tourism

Basic course in baking

Improving your career prospects

Basics for hotel, gastronomy and tourism

Find advice in your area

Help for women in need

Basic course in working with wood

Cooking with solar energy

Basic course in painting and varnishing

Introduction to electrical installation

Computer course

Tourism

Basic course in business start-ups

Welding: course with certificate

Basic course in vehicle technology

Working with a university degree

On the path to being self-employed

Setting up a business

Basic course in gastronomy

Bicycle mechanics

University studies

Information telephone

Basic course in drinking water filters

Basic course in working with metal

Courses in textiles, crafts, maths

Variouscareer-relatedcourses

Various practical trainingcourses

Online course in social work

Plumbing, heating and air conditioning

Introduction to electrical engineering

Online course in business and economics

Start-up opportunities

Business game: running a company

Introduction to painting and decorating

Financial help to return home

Introduction to metal construction