Improving the Living Conditions of Refugees with Disabilities in Brandenburg
On 26 November 2025, the final conference of the project VeMBeB took place at the Haus der Natur in Potsdam.
VeMBeB is an initiative of Cagintua e.V., funded by Aktion Mensch and the office of integration, state of Brandenburg, aimed at improving the living conditions of refugees with disabilities in Brandenburg and reducing the many barriers they face in daily life.
Over nearly two years, the project supported more than 97 people with disabilities living in refugee accommodations across Brandenburg, providing assistance in healthcare, housing, mobility, psychosocial support, education, orientation, and community participation.
Highlights of the Final Conference
Official Welcome – Integrationsbeauftragte of the State of Brandenburg
The conference opened with a warm and encouraging greeting from Ms. Diana González Olivo,
Integration Commissioner of the State of Brandenburg.
In her address, she emphasized the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and equal participation.
She praised the VeMBeB project for reaching people who are often overlooked and for helping to build bridges between institutions and vulnerable refugees with disabilities.
Her message highlighted the shared responsibility to ensure that Brandenburg remains a region where every person regardless of disability or legal status, is treated with dignity and respect.
Voices from the Community
Following the official welcome, Eslam Elomrani, a participant of the project, delivered a moving opening speech.
He spoke openly about his personal experiences within the asylum system, the challenges of living with a disability in refugee accommodations, and the profound support he received through VeMBeB.
His testimony set the tone for the conference: human, honest, and deeply meaningful.
Expert Input: Education & Participation
On behalf of Dr. Jacky Talonto (Abatros), Christian Nwachukwu presented key barriers faced by refugees with disabilities in accessing education and further training. The presentation highlighted structural gaps in schooling, vocational training, language learning, and the legal framework surrounding asylum procedures.
Project Presentation
Project coordinator Obiri Mokini presented VeMBeB’s results, successes, challenges and long-term impact.
Key areas of work included:
- accessibility and housing
- mobility and transport
- health and psychosocial support
- assistance with authorities
- empowerment of refugee volunteers
- educational access and guidance
He emphasized the resilience of the participants and the importance of continuing this work beyond the project period.
Panel Discussion
A multi-stakeholder panel brought together:
- social workers
- volunteers
- refugees with disabilities
The guiding question was:
“What must change so that refugees with disabilities can truly participate in society?”
The discussion highlighted the need for structural reforms, increased accessibility, better mobility support, stronger cooperation between institutions, and sustainable funding for community-based support services.
Participants repeatedly expressed that often for the first time they felt seen, heard and respected.
Acknowledgements & Outlook
Cagintua e.V. extends heartfelt thanks to:
- Ms. Diana González Olivo, Integration Commissioner of the State of Brandenburg
- Dr. Amanda Perlenberg, Beauftragte für Migration und integration, LHP
- Dr. Tina Denninger, Beauftrage für Menschen mit Behinderung LHP
- all refugees who shared their stories
- all volunteers
- partner organisations
- Infocafe der Winkel Bad Belzig
- Refugee Radio Potsdam
- Freis radio Potsdam
- Abatros and other professional partners
- Aktion Mensch and office of Integration Brandenburg for funding
- all social workers and supporters involved
The final conference demonstrated the strong need for continued work in inclusion, access to education, empowerment, and disability-sensitive refugee support.