Denmark’s first welcome centre for refugees opened in Copenhagen last Thursday.
The working framework of ‘Welcome House’ has been developed by Copenhagen Municipality, while volunteers and voluntary organisations are in place to help offer activities and services for both children and adults.
“Volunteers are the key to true integration,” said the deputy mayor for integration and employment, Anna Mee Allerslev.
“I am pleased we now have a brand new welcome centre where refugees can meet the locals and volunteers and become a strong part of the urban community.”
READ MORE: Behind the walls of the asylum centre
Copenhagen Mayor Frank Jensen said the new centre can help build bridges between refugees and locals.
“A meeting between refugees and new Danish friends is one of the best ways to become well integrated,” said Jensen.
“The Welcome House will be a centrally located and natural venue where both children and adults across nationalities can find new relationships and learn from each other.”
Public/private partnership
The establishment of Welcome House in Copenhagen’s Valby neighbourhood was sponsored by the Tuborg Foundation.
“Civil society and volunteer-run organisations will play a crucial role in the successful integration of refugees in the coming years,” said Allerslev.
“The Welcome House is an excellent example.”
