I wish for – an initiative by dieci and Save the Children
Over 40 per cent of all refugees in Switzerland are children,
most of whom have to leave everything behind when they flee their home. It is precisely these children that we are aiming to support through our joint initiative.
During this year’s Christmas campaign and beyond, dieci will be collecting donations for Save the Children together with its customers and franchisees.
These donations will be used to make a wish come true for refugee children in Switzerland, thus helping them to integrate.
About the initiative:
In its work within the asylum sector, the Save the Children team frequently encounter people with significant needs and hear what children and families are wishing for. Although their professional expertise allows them to assess the urgency and proportionality of these wishes, they often lack the financial means to make them come true. All donations made via dieci go into a fund created specifically to address this gap. These donations enable the team to identify, evaluate and fulfil these wishes as part of their work.
“Together, we can ensure that the wishes of refugee children are not forgotten.”
What refugee children want is often something we take for granted, like a colouring book, trainers, a Christmas present, music lessons, going to camp or taking part in an activity. Working with partners, the Save the Children project team will make these wishes come true.
This includes fulfilling both individual wishes and those that will benefit all the children in a particular asylum centre, such as building a playground, installing a basketball hoop or providing other activities and resources that will promote play and foster a sense of fun.
Background:
The percentage of under-18s seeking asylum in Switzerland has increased steadily in recent years, with over 40 per cent of asylum applications now submitted by children and young people.
When we talk about asylum seekers and refugees, in other words, we also mean children, many of whom endure traumatic experiences or suffer violence during their journey to Europe. These children and young people, who are often mentally scarred, thus require special protection.
Despite the efforts of the authorities, care organisations and civil society groups in Switzerland, however, the accommodation and care provided in asylum centres rarely give these children the protection they need.
Save the Children
For this reason, Save the Children has been involved in the Swiss asylum sector since 2015 in an effort to ensure that refugees under 18 are protected from violence, are able to process their experiences and can simply enjoy being children.
- Amongst other things, Save the Children creates child-friendly spaces and trains local staff in appropriate learning and play activities.
- Its project experts support and empower (unaccompanied) young refugees, helping them develop their skills and ensuring their voices are heard.
- They also run workshops for refugee parents on topics such as stress management, positive parenting and practical tips for daily life.
- In addition, professionals and staff at asylum centres are trained in child protection, possible interventions and child-centred activities.
Learn more about Save the Children's work in Switzerland and meet the project team here.
Donate now
You can also donate any amount you like via the TWINT QR code found on a dieci pizza box or during the checkout process in our online shop.
