The target of the Türöffner e.V. association — founded in April 2016 — is to promote the social and professional integration of refugees in Germany.

Sticking to the club's maxim "the strong help the weak", 1. FC Union Berlin have been committed since the beginning of the professional jobs network. The club is not only accomodating Türöffner e.V. in office space, but is also supporting the project by addressing companies within our current partner and sponsors network.

The hurdles that the non-profit group has had to overcome have been high. Companies expected people with training certificates of some kind, but in many countries, there are no such qualifications. Refugees, who were then able to provide their qualifications, first had to ensure their admission in Germany. Job descriptions in other countries often differ significantly to those in Germany. However, above all else, a lack of a minimum level in the German language prevented entry on to the job ladder.

But after two-and-a-half years, Türöffner e.V. can look back on a small success story: the project team and branch manager Grit Driewer have been able to place more than 40 people in permanent employment and secure another 100 internships with the prospect of a job. However, there's still lots to be done. The group's network is still waiting to pair around 200 refugees with a further 100 companies.

A donation to the association can also help develop the network further and more successfully.