'Refugees Welcome to Luxembourg' Facebook page to become association

(ADW) Travelling a lot and being involved in scouting for years, young Djuna Bernard became affected and troubled by the drama and plights that migrants suffer every day and decided that she could not stand by idly.

In mid-August she began a Facebook Page entitled "Refugees Welcome to Luxembourg" with the aim of educating Luxembourg's citizens about refugees.

In just a few days the page attracted more than 5,000 likes and Djuna has received a barrage of messages from people wishing to actively help out. "This is a surprise! I wanted to mobilise my friends and scouts initially, but the success has been enormous. This proves that there is a great willingness of people to act”.

Donating money, clothing, giving your time; these are many ways to help refugees in this country. But the aid must be targeted and meet real needs. This kind of coordination platform did not exist before in Luxembourg.

"I am a student, I don't have much money, but I'm active in scouting and with children. So I turned to OLAI and I signed up to the Volunteer Convention allowing me create activities with refugee children”.

"Actually, I realised how easy it was to do something, and I wanted to get that message to as many people as I could" she said. Many social media users have contacted her to offer their help.

"Some people tell me they speak Arabic and can help, or they do theatre, music, work with children, are teachers, can provide support, etc."

"The spirit of solidarity that has emerged makes me happy, because we live in a world where xenophobia is gaining ground." Some comments published on her Facebook page do seem to head in this direction. "I check the comments on the page all the time and I systematically remove those that are harmful". However Djuna is not in the slightest bit discouraged, quite the contrary.

The more than 5,000 gathered likes continue to grow. "This is for me something very strong." The proposals of these residents will now be grouped and structured.

In early October, an association will be created giving all these strong ideas a chance to see the light of day in collaboration with other organisations such as the OLAI, Caritas and the Luxembourg Red Cross.

"We are writing a plan and forming a committee. Our association will aim to coordinate the actions of all those active in the sector and volunteers. A bit like an intermediary."

This new activity will occupy much the young woman's time who wants above all to continue providing support for four hours a week in a home for refugees.

Want to lend your support? Visit and like the Facebook Page: Refugees Welcome to Luxembourg

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