Between 2017 and 2024, the Integration House „Pedro Arrupe“ in Belgrade operated as a specialized shelter for unaccompanied minors on the move, one of the few initiatives of its kind in Serbia, complementing the national social protection system.
We recently presented a research report capturing seven years of its work to colleagues from the NGO sector and relevant state institutions, offering both an overview of the activities implemented and an analysis of the children who were accommodated there.
More than a place of temporary stay, the Integration House provided structured support to migrant and refugee children without parents/guardians, many of whom arrived after long and difficult journeys. According to their testimonies, it became a space of safety, stability, and belonging.
The report is divided into two main parts: the first outlines the programmes and activities carried out over the years, while the second presents research on the characteristics of the beneficiaries. The study examined socio-demographic, residential, family, educational, and health aspects, based on a sample of 119 boys aged 5–18 who stayed in the Integration House during its operation.
Research insights:
- 77.3% of beneficiaries were from Afghanistan
- 92.4% were admitted due to young age
- 70.6% were enrolled in the regular school system
- 9.2% faced psychiatric challenges
By bringing together programme data and research findings, the report offers valuable insights into the needs of unaccompanied minors and highlights the importance of tailored, community-based support models in the broader European context.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the team of the Integration House „Pedro Arrupe“, whose dedication and commitment made all of these achievements possible. Although the Integration House no longer exists in the same form, the values, knowledge, and relationships it fostered continue to inspire and inform ongoing work.
