World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day

June 20 is World Refugee Day. People across the globe will take part in activities that continue to bring awareness to the ongoing refugee crisis — and to celebrate the people and programs that support the tens of millions of refugees.

In Germany, we hold an extra special place in our hearts for refugees. During the refugee crisis in 2015, Germany opened its arms to take in more than 1 million people in need.

Five years later, Germany still tops the list for the most asylum applications in the European Union. The amount of support needed to help such a large population of refugees successfully integrate into society can be staggering.

Leveraging our knowledge and expertise to help refugees is a personal passion that both of us share. We’ve both relocated multiple times in our lives, so we know how hard it is to start over somewhere new. We’re also very aware of the advantages and privileges that our situations offer.

Our hearts go out to these refugees who have left everything they know behind. We jumped at the opportunity to take what we know and use it for good.

Calling All Volunteers

In 2015, a group in Berlin led by Anne Kjær-Riechert, the CEO and cofounder of ReDI, helped refugees get access to laptops and learn how to code.

Cisco Networking Academy jumped in to help, and we were recruited as volunteer teachers. The mission was to break down barriers to help these newcomers integrate into our society. The very first class was held in an events room at Claus’ tennis club.

After a few weeks, the ReDI School of Digital Integration was officially born. Fast-forward five years, and we are two of over 80 Cisco ReDI volunteers!

Claus (in white shirt) says: “Working with these students has changed my perspective. We have learned to not take our amazing privileges for granted, and to admire their ability to rebuild their careers and lives showing an incredible grit.”

What Is the ReDI School?

The ReDI School of Digital Integration is a non-profit in Germany that teaches refugees the skills they'll need to enter the startup and digital industry.

ReDI provides students with valuable digital skills and a strong network of tech leaders, students, and alumni to help create new opportunities. Cisco is one of several tech companies that partners with ReDI School. Microsoft employees are also heavily involved in teaching tech classes.

While ReDI started in Berlin, schools have since opened in Munich and Copenhagen, with more schools soon in Norway and Düsseldorf. Numerous courses are offered, each customized to meet the needs of the local job market. Claus teaches IoT skills for the new digitized world, and Marissa teaches an all-female cybersecurity class.

Programs for Women

ReDI actively strives for a 50 percent female enrollment rate. Unfortunately, in many of the refugees’ cultures, women feel shy or uncomfortable learning among men.

The Digital Women’s Program provides them with an understanding environment that supports their needs. There’s even a daycare on the side of the classroom.

Marissa (on the right) says: “Giving time to others who have less, helping them find their path, that’s rewarding.”

Kids Programs Too

Workshops, hackathons, company visits, holiday camps … these are just some of the things ReDI offers kids. They offer classes on coding, web design, robotics, and many other digital topics.

By combining fun and playful approaches with innovative teaching methods, students become curious about technology, improve their empathy, and learn collaboration.

The ReDI School of Digital Integration provides so much more than an education, and even more than a way to network or find a job. It’s a community.

Community is what refugees need most. They need to connect with others to learn and grow.

We are so grateful to be part of such an amazing effort. We learn every day from our students and have no intention of ever stopping.

Take a Step with Refugees

Do you want to get involved or show your support? The 2020 Theme is #StepWithRefugees, and you can participate in the Take a Step on World Refugee Day Challenge.

Related Links

• World Refugee Day
• ReDI School of Digital Integration
• Our Impact — CSR and Time2Give
• Careers at Cisco

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