Volunteers Bridge Language Gaps for Newcomers in Rhein-Kreis Neuss
Volunteers across the Rhein-Kreis Neuss district are playing a key role in supporting newcomers. Their work helps people with little or no German navigate daily life. District Administrator Katharina Reinhold has called their efforts essential for successful integration. The Municipal Integration Center (KI) has run the programme since early 2019. It trains and deploys volunteer language mediators to assist newcomers in all eight local municipalities.
Before starting, volunteers complete a foundational training course provided by the KI. They must be at least 18, speak German at B2 level or above, and be fluent in another language. Mediators who know Somali, Sorani, Spanish, or Georgian are particularly in demand, though all languages are welcome. These volunteers help newcomers communicate with schools, daycare centres, and government offices. For their work, they receive an expense allowance rather than a wage.
The programme continues to grow, supporting integration across the district. With trained mediators assisting in multiple languages, newcomers gain better access to essential services. The KI remains open to new volunteers who meet the language and age requirements.
