Support where it is most needed

Besuch of the Bundestag candidate Greens, Knut Kiesel, at the Diakonisches Werk Hanau-Main-Kinzig

The effects of the dramatic events in Afghanistan in recent weeks are also felt by the employees of the refugee counselling service of the Hanau-Main-Kinzig deacon plant. This was reported by the new managing director and pastor Ute Engel during a visit by Knut Kiesel, Bundestag candidate of Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen for the eastern Main-Kinzig-Kreis, parts of Wetterau and Schotten, at the life advice of the Diakonische Werk.

Since the Taliban took Kabul, the refugee counselling centre has received many calls from desperate people whose relatives are stranded in Kabul. “This means a high, also emotional, burden for our employees,” says Engel. Refugee counselling usually supports refugees in coping with bureaucracy and family reunification. "The German bureaucracy often overwhelms those in need and there are countless pitfalls and obstacles," explains Tammy Aonso, a refugee counsellor. In addition, processing times are in some cases between half and four years. This is particularly annoying in medical emergencies if, for example, a visit to the dentist in the event of acute pain becomes impossible due to a missing health insurance card.  "This shows how important our work is," says Aonso.

In addition to the refugee counselling, Knut Kiesel also visited the Debt Counselling, another department of the Diakonisches Werk. ‘The debtors come from all walks of life, including academics.’ reports Kerstin Herma-Müller. Reasons for visiting the counseling center are very different and range from difficult financing of the house after a divorce, to the accumulation of microcredits through numerous Internet orders.

Child benefit is also partly taken into account as income in the case of debts. This makes a precarious situation even more difficult. It is important that you report early, and not only when the creditors call around the clock. ‘We would like to thank the district for its support in providing preventive advice,’ said Head of Department Carsten Grau.

Knut Kiesel thanked the employees and the managing director Engel for the insight into their important work with the people who need support most urgently. “Thank you for supporting the citizens of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, especially in difficult times. The Greens want solidarity. This includes supporting institutions such as yours", said Kiesel at the end of his visit.