3.6.3.4. Orientation and education
One of the most significant legal changes coming into force in 2023 was that all applicants for international protection in Germany can have access to the BAMF language programme, regardless of their prospects for being recognised. This programme includes integration courses, as well as vocational language courses, and participants are directed to the most suitable type and level of courses.620Access to services remains contingent on capacity.
A new project was launched to improve conditions and provide social activities for reception centre residents in Bulgaria, with funding from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.621 Changing provider, the Latvian Social Integration Fund took over social counselling for applicants and beneficiaries of international protection from Caritas Latvia in December 2023.
ECRE published a policy note on “The Right to Education for Asylum Seekers in the EU”, drawing attention to challenges faced by applicants to further their education during the reception phase. For example, the note highlights the interconnection between education and housing, health and employment, pointing out that delays in the allocation of a reception place for children inevitably delays their prompt access to education.622
- 620Gesetz zur Einführung eines Chancen-Aufenthaltsrechts [Act on the Introduction of a Right of Opportunity Residence], Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat (2022).
- 621State Agency for Refugees with the Council of Ministries | Държавна агенция за бежанците при Министерския Съвет. (2024, May 15). Откриваща среща по проект „Подобряване на условията за настаняване и осигуряване на социални дейности за лица настанени в центровете на Държавната агенция за бежанците при Министерския съвет“ [Opening meeting on the project "Improving the conditions for accommodation and provision of social activities for persons accommodated in the centers of the State Agency for Refugees with the Council of Ministers"]. https://aref.government.bg/%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%89%D0%B0-%D1%81%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%89%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82-%E2%80%9E%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D1%83%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B8-%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%83%D1%80%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8
- 622European Council on Refugees and Exiles. (2023). The Right to Education for Asylum Seekers in the EU. Policy Note No 44.