Four Munich-based startups considered how to address the issue of refugee integration and came up with a simple solution: The "WelcomeRide" project connects drivers and refugees via a web app.
Launched in early November, drivers can now offer rides on WelcomeRide, allowing people new to Germany to find free travel on what would otherwise be a complicated journey into the city, to events, or to sports. The four companies SHÄRE mobility innovation, the software company JustRocket, the PR agency Startup Communication and the design studio Daumenkino are working on this project on a voluntary basis.
Newcomers and long-time residents – moving forward together
Under the motto 'Forward Together', the social project aims to give refugees the opportunity to be mobile in their German destinations – for trips to the office, to football training or to events.
People arriving in Germany are often accommodated in facilities that don't have direct access to public transportation. And if they do, they don't have a long-term ticket. WelcomeRide aims to solve this problem and easily connect drivers and passengers.
"The heart of the WelcomeRide project is the idea that people living in Germany have the opportunity to help newcomers and thus promote integration and togetherness. Because encounters, stories, and perhaps even friendships are born on the ride."
said Mátyás Albert Nagy, initiator of the project.
Simply help: How exactly did the idea come about?
How can you help if you don't have time for volunteer work? That was the initial question. The four startups answered this way: You help on the way to work, to the supermarket, or to yoga class – simply by not driving alone, but by giving one or two people a ride. For example, drivers can set up their daily commute as a WelcomeRide. That's the idea behind the project.
"We ourselves have many appointments that require our own cars. A WelcomeRide can be set up in a minute. This makes helping out quick and easy."
says David Baus from Shäre.
To ensure that the project is also known to the target group, the people who came up with the idea are in close contact with refugee accommodations, are reaching out to those newly arrived in Germany via social media and are planning an event for spring 2017 at which registered drivers will show new arrivals their favorite places in Munich.
The five idea generators:
Carina Wilhelm from Startup Communication is happy about the participants:
"WelcomeRide is a volunteer project in which each startup contributes its expertise. We are also not a closed group, but open to every startup and every partner who wants to participate!"
So, this isn't just for test drivers and passengers. Other participants are also warmly invited to volunteer and further advance this social project.
