The Migrant Worker and Student Canteen is a space where migrant workers and students can enjoy a warm meal and access essential services that support newcomers in the city. These include networking opportunities, useful information, and personalised counselling.
When and where does it happen?
The canteen takes place over two consecutive lunch days each month. The next sessions will be held on November 28 and 29, from 12:00 to 15:00, at Wildebruchstr. 24 in Neukölln.
What can one expect to receive?
Participants can enjoy a warm lunch on both days. In addition, there are opportunities to learn about the Berlin job market, receive personalised counselling on migration law, and practice speaking German in a patient, non-judgmental environment.
Is this all free?
Donations are welcome, but you can receive all these services free of charge.
Why are we doing this?
This initiative grew out of our work with food delivery workers in Berlin, many of whom hold South Asian “student” or “job-seeker” visas. Like many migrants, this community faces significant barriers in meeting basic livelihood needs including accessing decent jobs, language education and skills training, worker representation and solidarity networks, fair housing, and social insurance.
These barriers weaken their position in both the labour and housing markets, often pushing them into unfair or precarious conditions. The Migrant Worker and Student Canteen aims to help address these challenges by improving access to networks of solidarity, useful information, and personalised counselling. In doing so, it seeks to contribute to more equitable working and living conditions overall.
