Unser Verein

Our association

Yekmal e.V. is an independent non-profit organization and sees itself as a migrant self-organization in Germany. The association is a recognized youth welfare organization, runs two bilingual kindergartens (Kurdish/German) and is a shareholder of the Yekmal Akademie gGmbH, which is committed to education, language and research. Yekmal e.V. is also the sponsor of the multilingual network BEFaN, which aims to develop and promote multilingualism. Since its founding, Yekmal e.V. has been committed to the education and social participation of families as well as the cooperation of parents with educational institutions such as kindergartens and schools. A particular focus is on promoting the Kurdish language and culture as well as multilingual language development.

» Background

Yekmal e.V. was founded in Berlin on May 9, 1993. In over 31 years of association history, Yekmal e.V. has developed into an integral part of social and civil society structures in Berlin. Originally, we were only active in Berlin and were known as the “ Association of Parents from Kurdistan in Berlin - Yekmal e.V.”. Due to increasing demand and growing needs, the statutes were changed in 2020 and since then we have been operating nationwide as “ Association of Parents from Kurdistan in Germany - Yekmal”. Since 2021, we have been working in four federal states as a partner of politics and administration to raise public awareness of migrant perspectives and introduce them into social discourse.
Our facilities and services extend beyond Berlin to the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Bremen. At all locations, we offer a wide range of educational and advisory services for migrant and especially Kurdish families. Our Berlin office plays a central role throughout Germany.

» Mission & Vision

The participation of parents with a migration background and the promotion of multilingual and native-language education are still important goals of our association today. We promote participation, equal and inclusive coexistence in society, empowerment and political participation. Multilingualism, education and upbringing as well as combating discrimination are at the heart of our work.

» Our values

Yekmal e.V. works throughout Germany for an open, diverse, pluralistic and inclusive society. With professionalism and commitment, Yekmal e.V. helps people with a migration and refugee history and their families to lead a self-determined, equal and free life in Germany. Our work sustainably strengthens democratic processes and the social cohesion of German society.