After fleeing war or persecution, refugees are trying to rebuild their lives. Once settled in the regio, they want to build a future. They want to start working again, in the Netherlands,  Belgium or Germany and the majority are highly motivated. However, in the Dutch, Belgium and German social environment, they encounter obstacles to realizing their goals. The healthcare sector, in particular, is highly institutionalized and is subject to strict protocols. In addition, refugees are subject to challenges regarding communication. One needs a higher level of language skills to be able to communicate effectively in healthcare. And there are cultural differences to overcome, for example in the relationship between men and women. Yet, nursing homes and the homecare sector are suffering shortages of nursing personnel and people to fill other care functions. The partners in Dutch and Belgium Limburg and Städteregion Aachen want to take on the obstacles mentioned by developing a guidance and training program specifically targeted on healthcare. This program will offer the refugees a mediation process, a training or refresher course, and on the job coaching. The employees and caregivers of the organizations involved will also follow a process that positively influences their perception of refugees. The employees and caregivers of the organizations involved will also follow a process that positively influences their perception of refugees.

• VluchtelingenWerk Zuid-Nederland
• INTERNATIONAAL COMITE VZW
• Stichting Zorg aan Zet
• DRK gemeinnützige Rettungsdiensgesellschaft mbH Städtregion Aachen

• ACV Limburg
• Het Limburgs Platform voor Vluchtelingen VZW
• Stichting Zuyderland Medisch Centrum