Aquatic instruction for children and adolescents among refugee populations
In the heart of Wiesbaden, a new initiative is set to make a significant impact on the lives of refugee children. Starting from Saturday, August 30, at the Kleinfeldchen, swimming courses will be held for children aged 5 to 8, while from Monday, August 25, ESWE leisure pool will be the venue for children aged 10 to 15.
This project, a joint endeavour between the Wiesbaden Swimming Club 1911 e.V. and the Wiesbaden Economic Forum e.V., aims to teach refugee children and young people to swim safely. The courses are being conducted by qualified trainers from the Wiesbaden Swimming Club, an organisation that has been providing a new sporting home for a group of refugee Ukrainian elite swimmers since the outbreak of the Ukraine war.
Dr. Patricia Becher, representing the city administration of Wiesbaden, has expressed her gratitude for the exceptional commitment of all those involved. In her welcome speech, she emphasized the project's importance, highlighting that it is not just about learning a crucial skill, but also about participation, self-confidence, and joy.
Christoph Eichler, President of Wiesbaden Swimming Club 1911 e.V., appreciated the initiative from a sporting perspective. He stated that the club views the integration of refugees through sport as close to their hearts.
The Wiesbaden Economic Forum e.V., which views social engagement as a conviction, not a duty, has committed to this task by funding the project for ten children. The Forum aims to enable participation for children, regardless of their origin or financial situation, and learning to swim means not only safety but also participation.
The municipal social and administrative services are ensuring the target group is reached, making this initiative accessible to all eligible refugee children in Wiesbaden.
The Wiesbaden Swimming Club 1911 e.V. and Wiesbaden Economic Forum e.V. recently conducted a symbolic handover of the project, marking the start of this meaningful endeavour. The press release about this initiative was published by the Press Office of the State Capital Wiesbaden.
This project is more than just teaching children to swim; it's about creating a sense of belonging, fostering self-confidence, and providing a platform for participation. It's a testament to the commitment of these organisations towards education, integration, and equal opportunities for all.
- The Wiesbaden Economic Forum, demonstrating its commitment to social engagement, has also pledged to extend this swimming project's benefits to refugee families, further promoting outdoor-living and home-and-garden activities within their lifestyle.
- By providing a safe environment for children to learn swimming, this initiative not only ensures their safety in water bodies but also fosters an appreciation for outdoor-living, enhancing their lifestyle and fostering a culture of home-and-garden activities.
