Hoffnung leben e.V.

Qui sommes-nous

In 2019, the German association “Hoffnung leben” (Live Hope) was founded to better meet the need for first aid on Lesbos. Since it was already clear during the founding phase that the flow of refugees would not end for the time being, the association's statutes were deliberately designed to enable sustainable aid with the intention of creating forward-looking opportunities for locals and refugees to meet. To overcome reservations and find common ground. So that the future can be shaped together. On Lesbos, but also with corresponding activities in Germany. Hoffnung leben should be active both in Germany and on Lesbos.

Our vision
We are committed to a world in which more COEXISTENCE among all people – regardless of origin, age, sexual orientation, or political and religious beliefs – enables a self-determined, dignified, and secure life in a healthy environment FOR ALL.
TOGETHER – FOR EACH OTHER – SHAPING A COMMON PRESENT AND FUTURE ...

Our mission
We promote mental and emotional health and the integration of refugees who, after arriving in Germany, have to wait a long time for a response from the authorities, as well as for educational opportunities and support with integration.
Our services aim to rescue children and adults from their mental and social “malnutrition” and their enforced and perceived uselessness during these long and uncertain waiting periods. Regardless of age, many suffer to varying degrees from ‘boreout’, depression, autoaggression, and trauma caused by displacement and accommodation.

Our long-term goal is to help overcome reservations between groups of people and instead create an awareness of responsible human community.

What we do:
• We offer German courses in online seminars, which provide initial orientation in the new living environment and facilitate contact and activities with locals. The lessons also include information about European culture, lifestyle, and much more.
• We support contact with local interest groups (e.g., clubs) through which integration and coexistence can be implemented.
• Schoolchildren can (continue to) follow environmental lessons online every week as “EcoKids Europe” and are encouraged to find environmental groups in their new place of residence so that they can be active there too. Local children can also take part in the online lessons. These are held in English and thus promote further language skills that are helpful in everyday life.
• Most of the children and women receiving support were guests of our cooperation partner “” (Greece, Lesbos) before their arrival.
• In addition to online services, personal visits are also made to help identify needs, support the search for solutions, and encourage integrative and connecting activities.
• A major problem is that German camps rarely provide Wi-Fi, which hinders participation in our online lessons and other educational opportunities. With the appropriate financial support, we could provide Wi-Fi and other learning materials.

Ursula Zednicek is the chairwoman of Hoffnung leben e.V. (Living Hope).

Upon request, we can provide consulting services for other network participants, give presentations, and provide up-to-date technical information and contacts in our field of work.