heks

Migrant families often live in neighbourhoods where there are few public playgrounds and leisure facilities to keep their children meaningfully occupied and to help them to socialise and integrate.

In a bid to overcome this situation, HEKS supports an open-door initiative in Neuchâtel run by the YWCA/YMCA Switzerland. The Villa YoYo opens its doors free of charge to preschoolers and school-age children after classes. They can play in the Villa, make friends and do their homework. The supervisors who look after the children take on a nurturing and educational role. Children from all parts of the world can express their creativity in this child-friendly environment and have the chance to integrate successfully in an international group.

Since April 2009 HEKS has expanded its service to include the ‘Espace Parents’. It is a meeting place for parents from the district and neighbouring areas where they can find support and guidance. The centre is accessible to all and is a place where people can meet and share, ask questions, have their needs met, and come into contact with public and private community services.

The service is firmly established in the district. The quality of life in the neighbourhood has improved for the children and the parents.