Migration

StaF: Mentoring program to strengthen the social participation of foreign nursing professionals

At ten model locations in Baden-Wuerttemberg und North Rhine-Westphalia, the mentoring program supports newly immigrated care professionals to take part in social engagement at work and where they live.

About the project

The shortage of skilled workers in the health and care sector poses a particular challenge. We want to strengthen the social participation of newly immigrated care workers. Until now, integration offers have been limited to the immediate work environment, neglecting other areas of life. The StaF project contributes to the successful social integration of newly immigrated care workers at work and where they live.

The thematic area Immigration Society of the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the Robert Bosch Center for Innovative Health have joined forces in a new mentoring program with the partner Entwicklungswerk Baden-Wuerttemberg. The goal is to support caregivers after they immigrate to make contacts in their new environment, pursue their hobbies, or continue their social engagement.

Trained mentors at ten model locations open up paths for their mentees to participate in the local social engagement sphere. They are encouraged to volunteer in an area of their choice. The project also contributes to the intercultural opening of participating organizations in the healthcare sector. In addition, the project strengthens the social participation of people with a migration background in a society characterized by immigration.

Why are we offering this program?

Due to the shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare and nursing sector, newly immigrated professionals face high expectations in the workplace in addition to language uncertainties. Such factors make it more difficult for newly immigrated nursing and care professionals to find their way in German society. Since professional integration is usually their main priority, they often make little or no contact with Germans outside their workplace. As a result, many immigrants remain in their own communities.

What do we want to achieve?

With the help of mentors, newly immigrated nursing professionals have the chance to become involved in the places where they live and work. Participants support each other, learn from each other and want to grow personally. This creates a strong community in which they inspire and support each other. Just how the mentoring-mentee relationship takes shape is left to the participants themselves and is based on the needs of the mentees. The relationship is voluntary and based on mutual trust.

How does the program work?

The mentees learn from the mentors' experience and expertise, while the mentors can strengthen their skills and pass on their knowledge. During mentoring, the mentees can freely discuss their commitment, their (personal) goals, challenges and questions.
The mentors provide targeted guidance, feedback and advice to help mentees in their development and social integration. Regular meetings, workshops and networking events frame the program and create opportunities for exchange and networking. Mentors are approached in a first step through their employers and trained for their future tasks. In a second step, mentees can apply for the "StaF" program.

Whom does the program serve?

Mentors: Nursing and care professionals who have immigrated to Germany and want to pass on their experiences.
Mentees: Newly immigrated nursing professionals who would like to volunteer in social engagement projects.
Employers: To promote the program within their institutions.
Associations and civil society actors: Places of local engagement for the professionals.

Where does the program take place?

Baden-Wuerttemberg: Stuttgart, Freiburg, Balingen, Ravensburg, Mosbach, Hügelsheim, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Kinzigtal (Ortenau district).
North Rhine-Westphalia: Cologne, Wuppertal.

Find more at our partners' website entwicklungswerk.org

Here is our press information on the program

Launch of the mentoring program in December 2023

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Around 50 participants came to the Robert Bosch Stiftung in Stuttgart for the launch of the mentoring program to strengthen the participation of foreign nursing staff. The focus, of course, was on the young nurses.
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Basri Askin, Managing Director of the Entwicklungswerk Baden-Württemberg, spoke about the aims of the project.
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Exciting on this evening: the first live meeting of mentors and mentees - and their reports on challenges and wishes for the program.
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Susanne Melin from the Robert Bosch Center for Innovative Health, which implements the program together with the Immigration Society Team of the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the Entwicklungswerk Baden-Württemberg.
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The combination of experienced mentors, motivated mentees, an innovative coaching approach and professional support from evaluation experts promises to have a lasting influence on the social and integrative development and participation of the participants - despite their demanding careers and everyday lives.