How we work
Our 'From House to Home'-model
The core of our approach is the ‘From House to Home’ model, in which two pillars are inseparably connected.
Hardware forms the foundation: carefully designed indoor and outdoor spaces that enable safety, warmth, calm and play. Think of Magic Boxes, Social Sport Hubs and child-friendly outdoor areas.
Software brings these spaces to life: the guidance, programming and partnerships that create a child-friendly, motivating and psychosocially safe environment. This includes sports, play, music, trauma-sensitive support, community building, buddy systems and structural collaboration with local and national partners.
Only when hardware and software come together does an environment emerge that not only functions as a reception center, but truly feels like home.
How we workin 8 steps
We work dynamically and in addition to COA with a strong focus on transferability. From the very beginning, we build ownership among young people and stakeholders, so that the approach continues to function even without us.
Our 8 steps:
1. Introduction and Building Trust
2. Launch and Needs Assessment
3. Design and Realization of a Child-Friendly Living Environment (Hardware)
4. Landscape Analysis and Local Embedding
5. Training and Ownership
6. Activation of the Spaces
7. Partner Engagement and Handover
8. Impact Measurement, Evaluation and Sustainable Engagement.
Activation of the space (software)
For each location, we develop a program together with COA and partners, structured around five pillars:
Creation, Music and Expression
Activities that help children express their feelings, regulate stress and strengthen their imagination.
Sports and Play
Movement and play provide structure, release and joy, contributing to physical health and emotional resilience.
Ownership and Engagement
Young people actively think along and participate. This strengthens self-confidence, self-worth and a sense of belonging.
Trauma-Sensitive Support
Activities and guidance that take trauma and stress into account, combined with training for volunteers and staff.
Buddy Programs
One-on-one connections that ensure continuity, personal attention and the building of trust.
Transfer and Sustainability
After a maximum of three years, we transfer the direct implementation to COA and local partners. Agreements on management, partner involvement and continuation are laid down in a cooperation agreement. Together with Open Embassy, we measure the impact throughout the process on children’s well-being, sense of safety and development.
You can learn more about creating the physical spaces (hardware) here.