History

The ZMO-Jugend e.V. association was founded in 1996 by young Russian Germans to support youth with migration and refugee backgrounds. At a time when there were few services available for this target group, the association promoted recognition and integration of young people through networking with streetworkers and institutions. The open youth center provided a platform for exchange and conflict resolution. In addition to leisure activities, the focus was on counseling and educational services such as communication training and confidence-building. Music, art, and sports were used both to address challenges and for prevention. Parental involvement and volunteer engagement are central elements.