heks

The HEKS Regional Office Eastern Switzerland makes an important contribution to social cohesion with its practical projects relevant to real life.  Its advocatory approach promotes equal opportunities for all people, irrespective of culture, religion, status and gender. Integration programmes help migrants to gain access to Swiss society and inform them about their rights and obligations.

Language courses and courses in other specialisms of practical use help them to cope with everyday life in Switzerland. Socially disadvantaged people are given support and encouraged to develop a sense of personal responsibility and to take bold steps towards living an independent life. For example, unemployed men and women are helped to make the transition as they (re)enter the world of work. Socially deprived families are also helped to meet the emotional needs of their young children.

In conjunction with other aid organisations, the regional office runs legal aid centres for asylum seekers in St. Gallen and in Kreuzlingen. The legal advice enables them to have a fair asylum procedure.

The regional office Eastern Switzerland is proactive in representing the interests and concerns of all these needy people in Swiss public life. Its programmes and projects are designed to help people to help themselves and to improve the general conditions for those concerned. In all its work and initiatives the regional office adheres to the principles of gender equality and peace-building.