Flight and migration characterise current global politics; the number of refugees is still at a record high and has exceeded the 110 million mark Approximately 62.5 million people are internally displaced persons (IDPs). The reason for the rapidly increasing numbers can be seen in the various conflicts around the world (e.g. Ethiopia and Afghanistan), but is also exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis (see also www.unhcr.org/mid-year-trends-report-2023).
In accordance with resolution 136 of the 24th Regional Synod to help combat the causes of flight in Africa, the Ev.-luth. Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM), together with partner churches in Ethiopia, Malawi and the Republic of South Africa, has subsidised 15 projects that contribute to alleviating the crisis in the context of flight and migration with special funds provided by the Regional Synod.
These projects have been externally evaluated and have demonstrably made a positive difference to the lives of the project participants. Prevention work and conflict resolution are just as important as reducing structural deficits, increasing social and legal security, increasing disposable income, psychological stabilisation and counselling. Strengthening the economic framework conditions as well as counselling and measures to help people help themselves are a contribution to the vision of a Global Compact for Refugees and make a significant contribution to a "good life" for refugees or people threatened by internal migration.
Three short films are intended to document the positive developments and show that flight is very complex and can have different causes that need to be addressed in different ways - and that a significant contribution to a "good life" can also be made in this area. Protagonists in three countries open up different and surprising perspectives on the topic of flight. In each case, a personal story or the story of a group takes centre stage. These offer the platform to take on different perspectives and to authentically experience the facets and contexts of the topic of flight as one (of many) realities.

Target group

The films are aimed at pupils in grades 8 to 13 who are interested in politics and civil society and are interested in the situation of people in Ethiopia, Malawi and the Republic of South Africa who are threatened by or have fled their homes. They are also suitable for working with adults.

Places of use

The films can be shown in the context of schools or as part of educational seminars, but also in a church-internal setting. The films can be booked with the respective ELM lecturers, provided that capacity is available. However, they should primarily be available for personal use with a material package and offered as a single film + educational material. The respective situation is quite complex, so it is not advisable to show the three films directly one after the other (if then only with an extensive accompanying programme on a (whole) workshop day).