International version N°4
Dear reader, This fourth International edition of the Crosswords magazine is focused on the Red Cross youth activities, aiming to raise awareness on the social problems encountered by children and young people in Luxembourg and underline the importance of helping them build up a future. We would like to thank you for your support and wish you Merry Christmas. Redaction Committee, members of the Red Cross International Section Contact Details for the International Section and further information : T: 661 56 74 52 - section.internationale@croix-rouge.lu
The Zoe Group: Support for teenage mothers and their children The Zoe group is a part of the Norbert Ensch House of the Red Cross whose mission is to welcome children and teenagers with personal or family difficulties. Its intercession aims to support the stabilization of their situation, their return within their families and the success of their social and future professional integration. As a day-care centre for teenage mothers and their children, the Zoe group offers a 24-hour service for pregnant teenagers and /or their children and provides a socio-educational and psychological support. The service is arranged so as to best meet the needs of young mothers and their babies. The main objectives of the educational team are to allow the pregnant girls to go through the pregnancy and childbirth experience under the best conditions, to educate teenage mothers about maternity, to physically and psychologically help them and their infants, and to give them the opportunity to work, continue their studies or practice some sports while raising their children.
Experience Story Joël´s return to his family Joël* joined the children’s group in “Maison de Conet” at the age of four. His father was divorced and lived with his grandfather while Joël´s sister had been placed in another children´s home for several years. Their father had problems with alcohol and could not deal with the upbringing of Joel. When Joel first came to the home, he found it difficult to stick to limits, as he was not aware that there were any. Joël´s father was shocked by his son´s removal, and subsequent placement in the home, as he was very attached to him. However, he cooperated well from the very beginning and actively began to solve his problems. He came to visit Joel twice a week after work and they did a lot together during the weekends when Joel stayed at his house. Thanks to his father´s presence and continuous involvement Joel was ready to return to his family after eight months.
NOVEMBER 2009