HEKS
Inclusion in Switzerland
Susanne Goldschmid
Equal opportunity on the labour market
With a differentiated range of education and labour market integration programmes, HEKS/EPER aims to boost the economic participation of people who have difficulty gaining access to the labour market. This includes young people without school-leaving qualifications, the long-term unemployed and well-qualified migrants from abroad facing structural hurdles or discrimination when seeking employment.
Nathalie Taiana
Social participation in old age
Many older migrants have contributed to Switzerland’s prosperity through many years of employment. As they often worked under precarious conditions, they suffer ill health more frequently in old age and live in difficult financial circumstances. HEKS/EPER AltuM promotes the social participation of older migrants by providing information and courses and aims to ensure they have access to state benefits.
Annette Boutellier
Structured daily routines and social interaction
The long-term unemployed or people who have arrived in Switzerland recently and do not have any gainful employment often do not have purposeful daily routines or social contact with other people. HEKS/EPER runs various programmes providing meaningful activities, social interaction and new opportunities.
André Brugger
Advice on discrimination
Discrimination based on origin, skin colour, religion, lifestyle or language occurs in all spheres of life: in the search for accommodation, at school, at work or in people's private lives. The HEKS/EPER advisory services work to combat racism and discrimination by providing advice and support for people affected by or accused of racial discrimination.
Frederic Meyer
Language – a key factor
Language is a key factor in participation in society. That’s why HEKS/EPER runs a wide range of language courses for migrants. By training and organising intercultural interpreters, HEKS/EPER facilitates understanding between professionals and people who speak different languages. HEKS/EPER helps to overcome language barriers and improve equal access to key public institutions for migrants.
HEKS/Daniel Rihs
Social policy activities
HEKS/EPER’s public relations and advocacy work aims to achieve fairer and more inclusive structures – particularly in the areas of migration and integration, social security and the labour market and protection against discrimination. To achieve a political impact and to strengthen civil society’s voice, HEKS/EPER forms links and alliances with other actors.