Initiatives and associations

Dresden counts almost 100 initiatives and associations focused on foreign residents or issues affecting foreigners in the city. The Dresden Foreign Residents Council (Ausländerrat Dresden e.V.) is a registered association acting as an umbrella organisation for the smaller individual societies and associations. An overview of the initiatives and associations in Dresden can be found under the following link:

• Overview (*.pdf, 74 KB)

Assistance for immigrants living in Dresden is provided through a variety of advice centres run by associations and other independent organisations. Advice on all problems encountered in everyday life in connection with migration is given free of charge and where possible also in the language of the person seeking advice. Special flyers provide further information on the migration advice centres and offers for initial advice.

• Migration advice centres (*.pdf, 13 KB)
• Initial advice for migrants (*.pdf, 16 KB)

Afropa e. V.

Association for African-European Communication

Who we are:

In 2003, some African residents in Dresden along with a few Germans took the initiative to found an association for the promotion of African-European communication. Today, we have over 50 members from ten different countries. Our objective is to raise awareness of the history, culture and social issues on both continents to improve mutual understanding. We aim to improve tolerance among both cultures through encounter, education and information. This is to be achieved through:

• Cultural events
• Sport event
• Education and public relations 
• Encounters, i.e. meetings of women with children
• Campaigns against xenophobia and right-wing extremism

What we offer:

• Introductory consultation in some African languages and German, as well as further placement (appointment required)
• Every Tuesday, recreational football training, matches or tournaments in Dresden and nation-wide (more information on www.afropa.org/fußball)
• School project if requested / needed (development of concepts in cooperation with partners)
• Language teaching: Portuguese, Swahili
• Special offer for women: women’s meeting every last Saturday of the month (more information on www.afropa.org/frauentreffen or contact 0176 / 64 60 85 62)

We speak German, Portuguese, English and Swahili.

Dresden Foreign Residents Council (Ausländerrat Dresden e. V.)

Who we are:

The Centre of International Encounter (Internationales Begegnungszentrum - IBZ) of the Dresden Foreign Residents Council accommodates a consultation service for immigrants as well as the offices of the mobile consultation project for refugees and of child and youth care. Additionally, there is a small library, a youth common room, work-out rooms, seminar and exhibition rooms and space for the weekly “open meeting”. Founded in 1991, we have become the largest representative council for the interests of immigrants in Dresden. The registered association acts as an umbrella organisation for smaller individual societies and associations. We work in cooperation with 12 member associations and 60 single members. Our main objective is the promotion of cultural, social and political integration of immigrants and the improvement of their self-representation.

What we offer:

• Consultation for immigrants
• Child and youth care through social work
• Cultural work
• Education and public relations
• Special offer for women: girls’ meetings in cooperation with the 101. Secondary School

Asociación Cultural Iberoamericana (ACI) e. V.

Who we are:

ACI is a non-profit association representing Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking people from more than 22 countries in America and Europe living in Dresden and the surrounding area. Our main objective is to raise awareness of the history and culture of countries in Latin America and other former Spanish and Portuguese colonies. Through the encounter of people from different cultures, we intend to gain mutual understanding and thus increased tolerance and better intercultural communication. Joint events aim to promote rapprochement of both cultures and interactive integration.

Main objectives of the association:

• Education on different countries’ respective cultures
• Organisation of events for increased tolerance and acceptance as well as support of other groups and institutions with similar objectives
• Support of anti-racist efforts
• Promoting the integration of foreign residents 
• Support of the cultivation of foreign cultures in Germany

Target audience:

• People of all ages and nationalities

What we offer:

• Spanish for Children
• Beginners / Intermediate Spanish
• Cinema
• Tango lessons
• Literature studio with interesting current topics

We speak German, Spanish and English.

AWO Specialists for Immigration and Integration (Fachdienst für Migration und Integra-tion)

Consultation for adult immigrants

Who we are:

Specialists for Immigration and Integration is maintained by the non-profit GmbH AWO SONNEN-STEIN, an enterprise of the non-confessional Workers’ Welfare Union (AWO). Specialists for Immigration and Integration assists foreign residents with their integration in Germany and help during the first years after arrival. All groups of immigrants receive consultation, company and care. (All consultation is free of charge and bound to maintain confidentiality. Legal advice cannot be pro-vided.)

What we offer:

For new foreign residents:

• Information on claims, duties, school, professional training, job and legal matters
• Advice on options for learning German, providing for a living, the organisation of life within the new environment and the enrolment of children at school
• Assistance with finding a flat, correspondence with the authorities, applications and problems in the family

For professional employees:

• Lectures, discussions, workshops, personal consultation and team consultation on different topics, i.e. immigration, immigration processes, intercultural competence, tolerance and xeno-phobia, are offered to professional employees from administration, social services, educational institutions and associations

For immigrants:

• Support of immigrant initiatives and self-help groups Additionally, there are special women’s courses.

We speak German, English, Bulgarian, Serbo-Croat and Russian.

Caritasverband für Dresden e. V.

Who we are:

Caritasverband provides advice and assistance with different problem cases including pregnancy, age, debt and disabilities. Our services for everyone in need are free of charge and non-confessional.

What we offer:

• Consultation on matters of youth immigration (Jugendmigrationsberatung)

The Youth Immigrantion Service is a consulting service for youth (age 12 to 27) and their parents with an immigration background or experience. We work on the basis of the SGB VIII and Programme 18 in the KJP. Our main objective is the social integration and socio-psychological stabilisation of young immigrants. Personal consultation and group events deal with topics like school, job, professional training, university, education, family, recreational activities, health and orientation in case of legal conflicts. We secure to accompany youth on trips to authorities and public departments, as well as to provide intensive assistance with complex problem cases. The Youth Immigration Service gladly supports the intercultural establishment of organisations and institutions as well as informative events on the situation of immigrants in the city.

• Consultation on matters of adult immigration (Migrationsberatung für Erwachsene)

The consulting service is federally funded with a focus on adult immigrants, who

• are permanent residents in Germany
• have obtained a valid permission for residency in Germany
• have an immigration background
• deal with problem cases

Our work comprises consultation, company and support in social, family and personal matters, as well as the provision of information on socio-legal and financial matters, questions of living, job integration, mediation and cooperation with official bodies, departments and services. Consultation aims to assist during the integration process by providing information and developing perspectives in Dresden. We offer group work, i.e. with children and for asylum seekers with small children, and we support youth through tutoring. In this context, we look for people interested in volunteering.

We speak German, English and Russian.

Chinese-German Centre (Chinesisch-Deutsches Zentrum e. V.)

Who we are:

The Chinese-German Centre was founded in 2003 as a joint project of Chinese and German nationals to cultivate Chinese culture, as well as to communicate the essential features of democracy, freedom and the rule of law to Chinese residents in Germany and Saxony, in particular. The organisation of the Annual Chinese New Year festival, concerts, classes, projects and various events of different scale are some of the responsibilities of the association. Our members view the encounter and mutual understanding of different cultures and ways of life as key requirement to peaceful coexistence. They oppose any kind of extremism, dictatorship or violence. All democratically organized groups, i.e. Christians, Muslims, Tibetans and practitioners of Falun Gong receive moral support. We believe, that intercultural exchange is the best means against xenophobia.  

What we offer:

• Presentations (culture, Chinese forging, the political situation in China, religion)
• Seminars
• Training
• Excursions
• Media group (bilingual radio station)
• Minghui School
  • Chinese lessons
  • Wushu training (Chinese martial art)
  • Chinese tea ceremonies (presentation / workshop)
  • Chinese calligraphy
  • Chinese cooking class
• Mah-Jiang and Chinese Chess Club
• Tea Club
• Chinese Cooking Club
• Wushu Club
• Club of Chinese-German Families
• School projects

We speak German, Chinese and English.

"Das Zusammenleben" e. V.

Who we are:

Our association assists immigrants of all ages with overcoming everyday problems, education, job hunt and integration in Germany by establishing contacts to locals. Since 2005, we have successfully cooperated with different partners and contributed to tolerance and mutual respect in town. We are involved in the athletic, social and cultural field. In 2006 and in 2007, we were nominated for "Association of the year" and received a monetary prize in 2007. The association President was awarded the Saxon parliament's certificate of honour for her charitable work.

What we offer:

• Different creative circles (guitar, choir, bobbin, dance, youth band)
• Football team
• Russian for children under 14 years
• Tutoring in Russian and English
• Assistance with formal documents, official letters, accompanying to the doctor and on trips to authorities  
• Communication training in different projects and improvement of social competence

We speak German and Russian.

The Dresden Anglo-German Association (Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft Dresden e. V.)

Who we are:

As a non-profit organisation of interested residents in Dresden, we support the exchange and dialogue with Great Britain. Our objective is to cultivate and promote Anglo-German relations in all areas of public and cultural interest.

The Dresden Anglo-German Association was founded in 1990; originally a local sub branch of the Anglo-German Association (Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft e. V. - DBG, Sitz: Berlin), it had regularly organized the so-called "Königswinter Conferences" since 1949 as a renowned forum for political, economic and media exchange. In 2009, the members of the Dresden sub branch founded the Anglo-German Association Dresden as an independent organisation, which cooperates with similar organisations all over Germany on a network basis. Our common aims are:

• To reduce prejudice among people from both countries and to promote personal and institutional contact between them with particular focus on Dresden and Coventry
• To contribute to a broad knowledge of all aspects of British culture, art and lifestyle
• To encourage discussion on current economic, political and cultural issues
• To support and further develop European unity  through the exchange with our British friends

What we offer:

• Cultivation and improvement of relations between Dresden and its twin city Coventry, as well as Great Britain in general, through personal and institutional exchange
• Guest lectures of Britsh and German speakers about contemporary issues and all aspects of British culture, art, history, society and lifestyle
• Workshop, classes, film and theatre nights, readings, book presentations, exhibitions and other activities  promoting a deeper understanding of Great Britain and the British culture
• Support of others organizing and putting on projects relating to Great Britain

We speak German and English.

Institute of German-Russian Culture (Deutsch-Russisches Kulturinstitut e. V.)

Who we are:

Foremost, the Institute of German-Russian Culture promotes the dialogue between the German-Russian cultural spheres. We make an important contribution to the socio-cultural integration of immigrants from the former Soviet Union into the German society along with the preservation of the foreign residents' national identity. 

What we offer:

• Community centre
  • Russian library
  • Advice for immigrants
  • Service point for Russian citizens
  • Book readings
  • Reception of Russian broadcast stations
  • Cultural events
  • Scientific lectures
• Educational offers
  • Saturday school "Kolibri"
  • German and Russian lessons
  • Math club "Pythagoras"

We speak German and Russian.

Dresden Association for the Social Integration of Foreign Residents and Migrants (Dresdner Verein für soziale Integration von Ausländern und Aussiedlern e. V.)

Who we are:

We are a social association to support the integration of immigrants into society.

What we offer:

• Consultation and care in everyday matters of integration into society and work - social advice
• Accompanying and linguistic / cultural mediation on trips to authorities - community translator service
• Integration courses for immigrants to assist with social integration
• Projects to assist with social integration of immigrants and emigrants to strengthen their participation in the social life of their new home country

We speak the following languages: German, Chinese, Czech, Russian, Vietnamese, Polish, Hungarian, Bulgarian, French, English, Arabic, Kurdish, Zazaki, Serbo-Croat, Estonian, Italian.

FITS GmbH & Verein der China ServiceCenter Deutschland e. V.

Who we are:

Initially founded as "China's Contact Centre", we are a German-Chinese association in Dresden. We have been successfully working with different cooperation partners, particularly in the areas of German-Chinese economy, science, society and culture. We provide immigrants with assistance overcoming everyday problems, education and job hunt as well as problems regarding living standards.

What we offer:

• Chinese classes for children and adults
• Chinese and German tutoring
• Filling out of formal documents, official letters, etc.
• Accompanying to the doctor and on trips to authorities
• Assistance with different German-Chinese projects
• Assistance with the application for the China Visa
• Translation for German-Chinese and Chinese-German

We speak German and Chinese.

Frauenbildungszentrum "Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe"

Who we are:

The Frauenbildungszentrum works in cooperation with the States Department of Female Education and Project Advice in Saxony as well as the MAAT (Institute for Integrative Therapy and Advice maintained by the FrauenBildungsHaus Dresden e. V.). Since November 1990, we are a non-profit organisation for women's education, advice and encounter founded with the objective to raise awareness of female opportunities in job and life, as well as to politically discuss and publicly represent options to improve such. We work on the basis of unity, partisanship and self-assertion, from women for women. Through our work, we aim to improve women's individual situations in life and to encourage them to independently take control. The Frauenbildungszentrum coordinates various projects on different topics. In this context, the Women's City Archive is part of the Frauenbildungszentrum. It is a municipal service institution aiming to promote equality in life and job opportunities among women and men. This is realized both through scientific research on the history of the city of Dresden and through a women's project.  Another project of the Frauenbildungszentrum is the Contact and Advice Service for unemployed women. It is a cooperation between the Women's Education Centre and the Women's Centre *sowieso* - BILDUNG BERATUNG BEGEGNUNG Frauen für Frauen e. V. Since 2000, the Frauenbildungszentrum is located in the FrauenBildungsHaus (Oskarstraße 1) at Wasaplatz. The Women's City Archive is located in the city archive (Elisabeth-Boehr-Straße 1).

What we offer:

For women of any age, nationality, social standing and level of education.  

The main areas of work of the Frauenbildungszentrum are:

• Women's support and assistance with setting up their own life / business
• Advice and accompanying of unemployed women
• Research in women's studies (Women's City Archive)
• General education and job-specific training
• Political work (individual campaigns, networking, committee work)
• Promotion of women's culture as an independent part of social culture

We speak German and English.

Goethe-Institut Dresden

Who we are:

The Goethe-Institut has more than 50 years of experience in teaching German as a foreign language, teacher training and developing curricula, examinations and course materials. Our classes in Germany and abroad, our internationally recognized examinations and distance learning programmes are precisely coordinated. We offer a broad range of language classes which, along with our cultural and recreation programme, give you an opportunity to use your language skills and get to know Germany. The mix of nationalities in our classes leads to many long-lasting personal and professional contacts. The Mediothek ideally complements your coursework with a multifaceted selection of materials and media for independent study.

What we offer:

• German lessons: during the day and in the evening including a cultural and recreational programme and accommodation
• German examinations of all language levels (also for doctors, prospective students, etc)
• Mediothek / Library DaF (German as a foreign language)
• Distance learning
• Professional group guidance / incoming services
• Exhibitions / events (and rooms for rent)

We speak German, English, Italian, French, Polish, Russian and Spanish.

INA-Chor Dresden e. V.

Who we are:

Founded in 1999, INA-Chor Dresden e. V. is an integrated project of the association "Jahresringe" Dresden e. V. which is dedicated to the integration of immigrants. Today, the choir consists of approximately 30 immigrants from Russia, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Middle Asia, as well as some people originally from Dresden. The multicultural character and the diverse national backgrounds of our members are mirrored in the choir's repertoire of songs. "INA" concerts feature Russian, Ukranian, Jewish, Polish and German folk songs including German songs from Russia. The INA choir has already won over the audience in over 150 concerts. Our international songs have promoted integration and cooperation while opposing ignorance and xenophobia.

What we offer:

• Choir sessions (German/Russian)
• Classes on music theory for adults

We speak German and Russian.

International Friends Dresden e. V.

Who we are:

Nowadays, an open mind as key to peaceful coexistence of people from different cultures around the world is more important than ever before. Tolerance and understanding for other cultures, foreign value systems, traditions and sometimes even ways of thinking are the basis of an integrated "living together". In May 2003, citizens of the city of Dresden founded the association International Friends Dresden e. V. in the building complex Deutsche Werkstätten Hellerau intending to encourage more open-mindedness among people. "We need cultural exchange and the development of a cosmopolitan and tolerant atmosphere in Dresden in order to make people of different nationalities feel at home here. Intercultural dialogue promotes the establishment of the city of Dresden as an attractive site for science and the economy with a high standard of living," says Dr. Wilhelm Zörgiebel, who is an entrepreneur and the association's Vice-President.  

What we offer:

• Every second Monday of the month, there are open association nights for members and interested people starting at 7:30 p.m. in the building complex Deutsche Werkstätten Hellerau: The centre of attention is always a presentation or discussion on a certain topic of international relevance ranging from culture, science, the arts and the economy to society. Association members and guests share personal experience in informal talks and discussions, and thus meet new people.
• Regular readings and concerts
• Special events, i.e. the annual summer festival "Hellerau meets Internationals": Every year, this festival is dedicated to a different foreign country (past festivals have featured Brazil, Japan, Mexico, the Baltic states, India, Switzerland and Spain)

We speak German and English.

Dresden International School (Internationale Schule Dresden e. V.)

Who we are:

The Dresden International School comprises a pre-school, a federally recognised primary school (classes 1-4) and a federally recognised grammar school (classes 5-12).

What we offer:

• International pre-school education for children between three and six
• International school from classes one through twelve
• Language classes (i.e. English and German as a foreign language) for adults (participants do not need to have children enroled in school)

We speak English (language of teaching), German, French and Japanese.

Jewish Community Dresden (Jüdische Gemeinde zu Dresden)

Who we are:

The Jewish Community Dresden is a public corporation offering guided tours through the New Jewish Synagogue. Additionally, it organizes concerts, lectures and similar public events.

What we offer:

• Guided tours through the New Jewish Synagogue
• Public cultural programmes (concerts, lectures, etc.)

We speak German and Russian.

Jugend&KunstSchule Dresden

Who we are:

Jugend&KunstSchule Dresden stands for creative and artistic recreation, education, projects for children from two years, teenagers, adults and families at Albrechtsberg Palace in Prohlis (Palitzschhof) and in Gorbitz (Club Passage). There is a choice of all varieties of the fine arts: painting, graphic, sculpture, ceramics, handiwork, textiles, choir, dance, literature, theatre, puppet theatre, animated film. Every week, more than 100 classes and workshops, mainly for children and teenagers, provide plenty of opportunities to spend recreational time being creative with others of the same age. More than 3,000 works of art are displayed in galleries and exhibitions. For many years, joint projects in the fields of fine and applied arts have been created for schools, after-school care centres, homes, medical institutions, institutes and companies. Besides taking part in the traditional annual classes led by experienced art teachers, children and teenagers of all ages have the opportunity to visit theatre and puppet theatre shows, concerts, exhibitions, literature evenings, festivals, children's birthday parties and holiday workshops in Dresden. There are project days and all-day programmes for day care centres, primary schools, secondary schools and grammar schools. Training for nursery-school teachers and associations are being organized. The girls' choir, Vocalisa Dresden, stage dance "Kaleidoskop", dance groups and theatre groups perform on different occasions in Germany and abroad. Jugend&KunstSchule Dresden is member of the Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft Jugendkunstschulen und kulturpädagogische Einrichtungen e. V., of the Landesvereinigung kulturelle Jugendbildung (LKJ) Sachsen e. V., and of respective federal associations as well as of the Choir Association Saxony.

What we offer:

Information on classes and workshops is published in an annual guide and in monthly event flyers. Both are displayed in cultural institutions, libraries, city halls, municipal councils, nursery schools, school, theatres, some restaurants and shops. They can also be ordered via post.

We speak German, English, Czech and a little bit of Russian.

KIW-Gesellschaft e. V.

Who we are:

The society for culture, engineering and science (KIW-Gesellschaft) is a non-profit incorporated association.

What we offer:

Our association promotes professional competence and knowledge of highly qualified immigrants looking for employment in order to increase their chances of integration into the job market. Work and social integration include continuous socio-cultural projects with the overarching motto "open dialogue".

We speak German and Russian.

Concert and Theatre Agency Andreas Grosse (Konzert- und Theateragentur Andreas Grosse)

Who we are:

Music Between The Worlds (MUSIK ZWISCHEN DEN WELTEN) presents distinguished musicians from different countries and cultures around the world. In special places in Dresden, they perform their extraordinary, diverse and colourful pieces of music: personal and traditional compositions ranging from conventional to modern, from concertante to improvised, from instrumental to a capella; multicultural music with various features of Folk, Jazz, Rock, Pop and Classic.

What we offer:

Music Between The Worlds generally takes place every Sunday, sometimes on other weekdays as well. In over 160 concerts, national and international musicians from more than 50 countries of all continents have previously won over the audience with their special, fascinating and unique music. The Staatsschauspiel Dresden in cooperation with the Dresdnen Dreikönigskirche has generously hosted this string of concerts. On special occasions, concerts may also be put on in different places.

We speak German and a little bit of English.

Kraszewski-Museum

Who we are:

Kraszewski-Museum - Polish history at a historic site.

What we offer:

Art and culture from the past to the present.

We speak German, Polish and English.

Mehrgenerationenhaus Dresden-Friedrichstadt (riesa efau.Kultur Forum Dresden)

Who we are:

Mehrgenerationenhaus is a platform for encounter, exchange, engagement and new ideas for people of different generations. We provide an opportunity for people of all ages to meet others, get actively involved, learn from one another and get assistance and support if needed.

What we offer:

• Open meeting / lunch / café: Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Parent-baby-meeting: every other Friday (even calendar week, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
• Parent Café with playgroup: every other Friday (even calendar week, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
• Media meeting: every Wednesday, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Open chess meeting: every other Tuesday (uneven calendar week, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
• services
  • Child care information and placement pool
  • Exchange market Friedrichstadt: every second Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
  • Information pool: Looking for an authority, a contact person, etc. - you will find assistance and support here; complimentary internet access for users of the building
• Children
  • Children's book project
  • Learn how to study easily  
  • Story-telling afternoon for children
  • Media workshop for children
• Parents
  • Artistic parenting classes with free child care
• Seniors
  • Computer classes: Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Artistic classes: painting and sculpture - Monday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 noon - and drawing and painting - Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 noon
  • Sociable dancing for all ages: Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• Project Generation
  • City documentation workshop: every second and fourth Friday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
  • Interest group Friedrichstadt: every third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

We speak German and English.

Immigration Consultancy for Adults (Migrationsberatung für Erwachsene - MBE)

in Bund der Vertriebenen (BdV), Landesverband Sachsen/Schlesische Lausitz e. V.

Who we are:

Bund der Vertriebenen is a cooperation of 21 Landsmannschaften, 16 state associations and four incorporated member organisations of organized refugees, immigrants and German emigrants who returned to Germany long after the end of the Second World War. We are the only representative association of some 15 million Germans who came to the Federal Republic of Germany as refugees after alignment, persecution and emigration. The Bund der Vertriebenen is a unit of associations; our six member associations are each incorporated associations as well. We are registered as a judicable association with Amtsgericht Bonn under VR 2841 in the Vereinsregister.

What we offer:

• Accompanying in individual cases for adult immigrants (27 years and older) who are long-term residents in Germany
• Accompanying of under 27-year-olds with common problems of adult immigrants
• Accompanying of immigrants in relation to social education during the integration course and assistance with finding child care during the integration course
• Active involvement in the municipal network as well as with intercultural linkage of services and authorities
• Special offer for women:
  • Women's handiwork group: every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. (BdV-Begegnungszentrum Dresden, Borsbergstraße 3)
  • Practice of the BdV-Choir "Heimatmelodie" Dresden: every Wednesday, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (BdV-Begegnungszentrum); performances at local and cultural events of the BdV in Germany and abroad, as well as in retirement homes in Dresden
  • If you are interested in any of these events, please feel free to come along.

We speak German and a little bit of Russian and English.

Immigration Consultancy for Adults (Migrationsberatung für Erwachsene)

in Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, Landesverband Sachsen e. V.

Who we are:

Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, Landesverband Sachsen e. V. intends to accompany and assist immigrants during the process of integration through the Immigration Consultancy for Adults. It is our objective to enable them to increasingly take control over all aspects of daily life and gain more independence in the course of the process.

What we offer:

• Immigration consultancy for adults (federally funded)

We speak German, English and Russian.

Immigration Consultancy Service for Adults (Migrationsberatungsstelle für Erwachsene)

Who we are:

The Cabana Immigration Consultancy Service for Adults is part of the Ökumenisches Informationszentrum Dresden e. V. It is our objective to accompany and assist immigrants during the integration process. In the course of the process, they will acquire the ability to carry out tasks of everyday life independently. We work on the grounds of need-oriented assistance in individual cases; so-called case-management.

What we offer:

Social consultancy and company regarding all matters of integration. This includes, i.e.:

• Flat hunt
• Linguistic integration
• Professional Integration

We speak the following languages: German, English, Russian, Portuguese, Czech, Dutch, Arabic, Persian.

Muslimat - Islamic Women's Society Dresden (Muslimat - Islamische Frauengemeinschaft Dresden e. V.)

Who we are:

A group of German-speaking Muslim and non-Muslim women provide a platform for exchange and encounter. It is our objective to enrich life in the Muslim community and to reduce existing prejudice in Dresden through talks for Muslim women and women interested in Islam.

What we offer:

• Open talks: every Saturday, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. (Ökumenisches Informationszentrum, Kreuzstraße 7, 4th floor)

We speak German and English. We can also set up Arabic, French and Italian contact when requested.

Palhota e. V.

Who we are:

We organize cultural events in our own cultural space.

What we offer:

• Women, men and children are equally invited to come and join us.

We speak German and Portuguese.

Polonia Dresden e. V.

Who we are:

Unification of Polish people and friends of Poland in Dresden and the surrounding area.

What we offer:

• Interesting events with Polish artists and writers
• Events for children
• Assistance with studying Polish
• Assistance with the organisation and realisation of own cultural projects

We speak the following languages: German, Polish, English, Spanish and Russian.

Quilombo "One World" association and shop ("Eine Welt"-Verein und -Laden)

Who we are:

In October 1990, the "One World" shop was launched in the city district of Löbtau in Dresden. In September 1993, a second branch was opened inside Dreikönigskirche between Albertplatz and the Golden Horseman.

What we offer:

Mainly supported by charity workers from different occupational backgrounds, we try to inform of critical consumption and "politics with the shopping basket" selling over 1,000 groceries and handiwork products from social projects (i.e. of cooperations) in Africa, Latin America and Asia. In group events for pre-school children, students, trainees, families and adults, we introduce the concept of fair trade in detail (as a small payback for 500 years of colonial power). Mainly during the summer semester, we organize weekend festivities to raise awareness of our work through noticeable information and education booths, stands, hammocks, exhibitions boards and 30 instruments for testing. We look after interns, social service workers and commissioners. Our full-time and profit-independent educational, social and coordinative work is funded by approximately 130 sponsors from all over Germany.

We speak the following languages (please make an appointment in advance): German, English, basic knowledge of Spanish and French, Hindu. 

Studentenwerk Dresden

Studentenwerk Dresden offers a special service for prospective students from abroad. A user-friendly website in five languages - German, English, French, Spanish and Polish - informs applicants about Dresden as a university town.

• www.study-dresden.com

Vietnamese Association in Dresden (Verein der Vietnamesen in Dresden e. V.)

Who we are:

Some 2,000 Vietnamese are currently resident in Dresden and its immediate surrounding area. The Vietnamese Association is a well-known meeting point for them to celebrate traditional holidays, attend classes and receive support and assistance with everyday life if needed. Our website is a connection between Vietnamese residents in Dresden and the surrounding area. Additionally, we also provide the website in the German language to address those German friends interested in our activities and wishing to get in contact with us. Ideas and suggestions for our association and our website are always welcome.

What we offer:

• First advice for and consultation with socially challenged Vietnamese immigrants
• Integration of Vietnamese children and teenagers

We speak German and Vietnamese.

Volkshochschule Dresden e.V.

Who we are:

Founded in 1919, Volkshochschule Dresden ist he biggest and most traditional institution for further training in Dresden today. Our range of sports classes is particularly wide. The teaching of German as a foreign language plays a central role among our services. Volkshochschule Dresden is an authorised body for the provision of integration courses by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

What we offer:

• Free placement tests
• Assistance with the application to obtain permission to partake in integration courses
• New German classes starting every month (during the day and in the evening)
• German examinations on all levels of proficiency
• Tests for naturalisation and preparatory courses every month

We speak German, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

ZMO-Jugend e. V.

Who we are:

ZMO-Jugend e. V. is an organisation mainly consisting of young immigrants and refugees. However, we also welcome all other teenagers and young adults. The association was founded in 1996 by a group of young Germans from Russia to promote self-help. Since then, ZMO-Jugend e. V. has played a crucial role in the individual and social orientation and integration of the addressees into society. We represent the interest of young immigrants in public and engage in intercultural communication. ZMO-Jugend e. V. is a non-profit association and an authorised free body for youth support based on § 75 KJHG. The main objective of our work is to assist with and to promote the social and cultural integration of young immigrants, Jewish refugees and other young people with an immigration background, to cultivate their national culture and to encourage intercultural communication. The open youth and social work of ZMO-Jugend e. V. addresses children, legal guardians with immigration background and, increasingly, native children, teenagers and their family members.

What we offer:

• Consultation for teenagers and parents regarding everyday matters and problems
• Open meeting place for teenagers
• Theatre project for children and teenagers
• Oriental dacing for all ages
• Latin American dancing for children and teenagers
• Football practice for young men
• Volleyball practice for teenagers
• Math tutoring for children and teenagers
• Cinema at the meeting place for all ages
• Painting classes for all ages
• Songwriting and poetry meeting for all ages
• Piano and keyboard lessons for children and teenagers
• Exhibitions
• Concerts
• Youth parties

We speak German and Russian.