Some of the Maisons Relais run by the Luxembourg Red Cross specifically cater the needs of children coming from migrant backgrounds.
These are the Reception and Integrated Education (AI) structures. Like the SEAS (Services d’Education et d’Accueil pour Enfants Scolarisés) run by the Red Cross and the national non-formal education framework, these integrated reception and education structures offer children a framework of trust in which they can develop their autonomy and self-determination.
Our three integrated care and education facilities cater for children aged 3 to 12 who are beneficiaries of or applicants for international protection. They work closely with the State’s Specialised Reception Classes (CSAE). Thanks to this collaboration with the school, the joint use of rooms, the children can be looked after from 7.45am to 7pm, depending on the needs of the different families.
Collaboration with other local partners, such as music schools, SEAS, or the hostels where refugee families live, also helps to simplify the daily lives of children affected by difficult experiences.
Our Reception and Integrated Education facilities offer a range of open spaces, including a canteen, a construction room, a space for creative workshops, another for resting, a multi-purpose room and outdoor areas for playing and getting fresh air.
Children coming from migrant backgrounds need security and stability. The rituals and framework setup within our facilities aim to enable them to flourish by playing, resting, and sharing, while respecting others and their diversity.
The daily work of the multi-disciplinary team at each AI facility is focused on the needs of each child. All team members have specialised pedagogical training. An intercultural mediator, who is also a member of the team, facilitates the communication with the parents and helps to better understand the children.
At least one member of the team with the training and function of “inclusion pedagogical referent” ensures the inclusion of everyone, because inclusion is one of the main aims of the Welcome and Integrated Education structures.
Each team member looks after the children’s well-being and regularly takes part in various training courses.
The Accompaniment and Transition Service (SAT), created in 2022 and operating under an accreditation that complies with the reference framework for non-formal education in Luxembourg, is aimed at out-of-school children of primary school age who are taken in by the Luxembourg Red Cross, with particular attention paid to first-time arrivals. The SAT encourages openness towards the culture of the country of origin and that of Luxembourg, while taking into account any trauma the children may have suffered.
As the first social contact for these children and their families, the SAT plays a key role in their integration and well-being. This first step is essential before they move on to the Reception and Integrated Education (AI) structures, with which the SAT works closely to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition.
Our mission is to accompany all children in their diversity and individuality, to support them and encourage their development so that they can become responsible, self-determined and autonomous children. The SAT service makes it a point of honour to provide a safe and inclusive environment. Our team of qualified professionals regularly attends specialised training courses. The presence of an inclusion coordinator ensures that each child receives attentive, personalised support, while facilitating their inclusion in the community.
On a day-to-day basis, each member of the team looks after the children’s well-being, helping them to flourish within a framework of respect, diversity and self-determination. Social integration and interdepartmental collaboration remain at the heart of our mission, with the main aim of building, together, an environment conducive to children’s overall development.
In recent years, it has become apparent that refugee families in particular have a growing need for specific support. That’s why a project called ‘Komm mat an d’Natur’ was implemented, to offer children and families in difficult situations educational activities in nature that enhance their well-being and develop their social skills. Shared experiences in nature are intended to combat social isolation, boost self-confidence and overcome trauma. In addition, educational knowledge is imparted, strengthening the participants’ bond with nature and promoting environmental protection. Activities on topics such as insects, birds, the forest in autumn and bats are very popular with children and young people.
Today, these approaches are an integral part of the SAT service, enabling us to continue to meet the needs of children and their parents in an appropriate way.
Service d’Accompagnement et de Transition (SAT)
Structure d’Accueil et d’Education Intégrée Weilerbach
Structure d’Accueil et d’Education Intégrée Adam Roberti
Structure d’Accueil et d’Education Intégrée Buschdorf