What we do
Four fields — and what they mean day to day.
Integration, culture, human rights, meeting. That has been on the association's paper since 1987. This page says what actually happens when someone walks through the door on a Wednesday afternoon.
Four fields
Integration, culture, rights, meeting
Languages
German and Dari
Cost
None. Membership not required
Support & advice
مشاوره و همراهی
The most common reason someone walks in for the first time is a letter. A decision from the Jobcenter, a deadline from the immigration office, a note from school. We read it with you, explain it in Dari, fill in whatever has to be filled in — and come along if that is what it takes.
Culture
فرهنگ و هنر
In Berlin, Afghanistan is usually a news item. With us it is music, poetry, food and a festival in March. Cultural work here means showing the country that does not fit into the news item — and doing it in a way that lets the neighbours join in.
Human rights
حقوق بشر
Human rights work has been part of how this association sees itself for as long as it has existed. It is the uncomfortable part: it is about the situation in Afghanistan, about women and girls who have had education taken away from them, and about what refugees experience here. We keep that public.
Meeting place
دیدار و همبستگی
Almost every other Afghan association in Berlin works by appointment. We do not. During opening hours the door is simply open. You can come because you need something — or because you want to drink tea and talk. Both count.
Everything we offer at a glance
The whole list.
No teaser, no selection: this is everything you can come to us for. If something is not on the list, ask anyway — usually we know someone.
Advice & support
مشاورهOpen consultation hour
No appointment, during opening hours. You come with your request, we look at it together.
no charge
Understanding official post
Decisions, deadlines, demands — explained sentence by sentence, in German or Dari.
no charge
Filling in applications
Jobcenter, BAMF, housing benefit, child benefit, BAföG, broadcasting fee.
no charge
Objections & deadlines
When a decision is wrong: formulating an objection, securing the deadline, passing it on.
no charge
Accompaniment to authorities
Someone comes along to the appointment — Jobcenter, immigration office, school, landlord.
by arrangement
Interpreting in everyday life
Dari and Pashto at doctor's appointments, parents' evenings, flat viewings.
by arrangement
School & training
Finding a school place, looking for training, getting certificates recognised.
no charge
Work & applications
CV, cover letter, job search, dealing with employment contracts.
no charge
Looking for a flat
Applying for a WBS, putting documents together, drafting cover letters.
no charge
Referral
To lawyers, debt and pregnancy counselling, psychosocial services.
no charge
Culture & language
فرهنگNauruz festival
Afghan New Year around 21 March — music, food, dancing. Open to the whole neighbourhood.
open to all
Eid celebrations
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha together.
open to all
Literature & poetry evening
Poems and prose in Dari, with German translation.
free entry
Music evening
Rubab, tabla, harmonium — classical and modern Afghan music.
free entry
Film & discussion
A film, then a discussion. Usually moderated bilingually.
free entry
Dari & Pashto reading circle
Passing on script and language — especially to children and young people.
members & guests
Practising German in a group
Speaking without exam pressure, with people who make the same mistakes.
no charge
Human rights & the public
حقوق بشرPanel & lecture
On the situation in Afghanistan, on flight, on the rights of women and girls.
free entry
Statements & press
We give information when media or politics need an Afghan perspective.
on request
Networking
Cooperation with Berlin initiatives, migrant organisations and the district.
on request
Room & cooperation
همکاریCooperation with schools & authorities
Parents' evenings, translations, mediation when there are misunderstandings.
on request
Room for group meetings
For initiatives and groups from the neighbourhood, by arrangement and subject to availability.
by arrangement
Not sure which drawer your request belongs in?
Then write it the way you would say it. We will sort it out. Answer in German or in Dari, whichever you prefer.