Education, language knowledge and the promotion of intercultural exchange are key elements for a successful integration into a new culture. Mondi has addressed this socially relevant issue in Western European countries through the co-sponsorship of three newly established Caritas projects in Austria.
Mondi is co-sponsoring an intercultural centre for young women from immigrant backgrounds in a multicultural district of Vienna, as well as two study centres for children and teenagers, the majority of whom are from migrant backgrounds in the provinces of Lower Austria and Styria.
The first joint project with Caritas, the “*peppa” Intercultural Centre for Girls, has been very successful since its opening in early June 2009. The centre supports girls aged 10-20 with job orientation and training in areas such as IT, crafts and languages and encourage the girls to participate in intercultural exchange and activities. The centre also offers support for finding temporary shelter for young women who have escaped difficult family backgrounds.
To bring the *peppa-girls and Mondi employees closer, a visit to a production site and R&D-centre was organised for the older girls. The girls had the opportunity to see a working production plant and learn about various job profiles in a production company. Further joint actions with Mondi employees will comprise job application training and joint museum visits.
Mondi supports two study centre projects in Austria: the “Lerncafé Mondi Knittelfeld”, which is close to three Mondi plants in Styria, and the “Rückenwind” project in Lower Austria. Both centres offer migrant children study support as well as joint leisure activities that focus on acquiring important social skills such as dealing with conflicts, accepting responsibility for each other and taking their own decisions. Furthermore, a close relationship with the children’s parents ensures that social integration of the next generation is developed alongside their parents adjusting to a new culture.
Last change: 08.04.2010