Work-integration programs
by Bjarke Ammann
High-ranking Delegation from the Czech Republic on a study-tour in Canton of Zurich visiting Work-integration programs in Winterthur and Zurich
Dagmar Doubravova, Director of Rubikon Centrum in Prague, brought a group of Experts from the Social- and Justice-field – amongst them Mr. Vladimir Zimmel, Viceminister of Justice of the Czech Republic, to a two days visit to Switzerland.
In Winterthur, City-Council Nicola Galladé, received the guests and stressed out the importance of international exchange of knowledge. He expressed his hope that in the not too far future there will be a reflux of knowledge from Czech Republic to Switzerland. VEBO-Board-Member Manfred Flühmann introduced into the Organization and the aims of the work-integration Programs in Winterthur.
Kaspar Hauser, Head of the Integration Programs in the town of Zurich, pointed out the importance of reintegrating jobless persons in the work process. These programs aim at providing useful jobs to these persons so that they have a chance to leave dependency of social-welfare as soon as possible. This reduces at midterm the cost of social-welfare. It is however equally important that the jobless get a day-structure, contacts to other people while working. Furthermore, they have rightly the impression that they are contributing to their own support.
The participants from Czech Republic where especially impressed by the Graffiti-Program presented by Markus Fueter, Head of the Department for Services and Maintenance. This is not a surprise as graffiti a main problem in all Czech Towns with a high proportion of tourism.
Guido Bleicker, Head of Reintegration programs in Rüti/ZH, then showed that even smaller municipalities support their unemployed citizens on their way back into the first labour market.
All participants where very impressed by the programs. It remains to be seen what will be implemented in the Czech Republic. VEBO and our CZ-Partners would like to thank the CH-CZ Partnership Fund, who has contributed financially to this event.
Peter Gründler