AOZ tandem program for refugees
Zurich, Adliswil, Affoltern a/A., Brüttisellen
Year-round
Social issues
Accompany a refugee or family in their free time and support them when they arrive in Zurich.
In a tandem, you meet with a refugee (single person or family) living in Zurich on a weekly basis for at least six months. You will be doing activities such as climbing the Uetliberg, cook a special meal together or study for a German exam. Regular catchups enable refugees to feel welcome, meet local people and being able to settle in Zurich. A tandem is geared towards specific areas of support as needed, such as help with administrative tasks, leisure activities, exploring Zurich and its surroundings or support in finding a job or housing. Meetups usually take place in the city of Zurich.
Join us and do your bit for solidarity and understanding!
Duration:
2–3 hours a week for at least 6 months.
Location:
City of Zurich
How it will work:
- Registration and subsequent initial meeting with employees of the volunteering division.
- Meeting to get to know your tandem partner.
- One-month probation period.
- Weekly meetups for six months or longer.
Introduction:
- Initial meeting with employees of the volunteering division.
- Introductory evening in a group with other volunteers.
Support:
- Contact persons in the event of questions or uncertainties during the assignment.
- Networking events with other volunteers.
- Free trainings on various topics such as the asylum system, social welfare, proximity/distance, etc.
Tasks:
- Meet an individual refugee or family on a weekly basis.
- You will decide on the content of your tandem together with your tandem partner.
- Examples: Getting to know Zurich and its surroundings, participating in leisure activities, speaking German, doing homework, support with administrative tasks, support in finding a job or apartment.
What you’ll need:
- You can volunteer as a single person or a pair/family.
- You have enough time for a regular commitment.
- You want to support refugees, are open for new cultures and experiences and are non-judgmental and respectful.
- You are reliable, can carry out your assignments independently and take initiative.
- You speak German to at least B1 level, know your way around Zurich and are at least 18 years old.
- You see volunteering with refugees as an opportunity for mutual learning.
- You are willing to sign an agreement and comply with the principles of volunteering with AOZ.
Project language
German
AOZ is a public organization with more than 2,000 employees. On behalf of the federal government, cantons, the city of Zurich and various municipalities, it provides specialist services in the field of migration and integration. The volunteering division works with people who volunteer to help refugees in various ways in the city of Zurich.