Integration is one the most topical European problems. Language barriers, prejudice, and lack of cultural and religious understanding widen the gap in society and make integration seem almost unachievable. European governments have been tackling the issue with different policies to little avail. More than 30 participants from across Europe came together in a workshop chaired by Artan Berisha, Chair of the Youth Council Esslingen, to discuss an alternative solution: volunteering. 

Volunteering can help build bridges between groups. Starting from daily life, by celebrating common occasions, such as New Year, with immigrants from your neighbourhood, you'd realise just how similar you are. Collaboration between different religious and cultural groups can create ideas across platforms, in order to truly develop a strategy that can make immigrants feel welcome and eager to integrate. 

Delegates from the workshop also brought up a refreshing perspective: to some immigrants, the idea of NGOs may be quite alien and unheard of in their home countries. Some of them have no idea that there are organisations that provide help and are instead suffering alone. As a result, welcome letters explaining what they can do and where help is available can make a difference.