Is school a difficult issue?

Many returnees don’t find it easy, above all if their children have never attended a Serbian school. Formal steps are required to send them to school. The families have to be registered with the authorities. Returning Roma in particular, for example, often see this as hostile and discriminatory, even though the procedure is the same for the entire population. But we have empathy for such people and their mistrust. That's what life has taught them.

Could you explain that in more detail?

Some people have experienced constant exclusion and rejection. It’s not surprising that they sooner expect sanctions, rather than the promised benefits of registering. Yet this formality is an absolute must. It's therefore my task to explain this during our first contact, and to encourage people to register.

Which people in these vulnerable groups find that especially difficult?

Single mothers. I often experience them as emotionally very vulnerable, with intense anxieties. There are also young people separated from their families who are living in Germany on a proper basis. Sometimes young people lose their residence permit when they turn 18 and are forced to return to Serbia. They are legally of age, but they don’t feel grown up and they certainly aren't prepared for returning. They have to leave their entire life in another country behind and often don’t even speak Serbian.

How do you help people like that? Can you give us an example?

A while ago, we were given details about a single mother who was in great distress before her return to Serbia. She came to us before even making contact with her family here. She assumed that we would immediately find her accommodation and take care of her in other ways. But that’s not how it works. DIMAK isn’t a provider, it’s more of a facilitator.