Toyota in Kolín to Support Education and Employment Integration of Foreign Nationals through the Dr. Van Zyl Grant

The project has received 29,000 EUR from the Dr. Van Zyl Grant, enabling the Centre for the Integration of Foreigners to expand its long-term support activities in the Kolín region. The initiative will primarily focus on young foreign nationals and highly qualified adult migrants, who often face language, systemic or professional barriers in the Czech Republic and for whom comprehensive and systematic support has so far been limited.

Young foreign nationals aged 15 and over who wish to continue their education at Czech secondary schools frequently encounter a range of obstacles — from insufficient knowledge of the Czech language and complex admission procedures to limited orientation within the Czech education system. The project will therefore offer language and preparatory courses, smaller study groups and individualised support. This assistance will help participants with school selection, application procedures and, in particular, with adaptation during the initial months of study, which are often the most challenging.

Highly educated adult migrants, including those with vocational or university qualifications, often work in manual jobs despite having the potential for more qualified employment. Key barriers include language limitations, non-recognition of qualifications, lack of information about the Czech labour market and limited experience with recruitment processes. The project will provide career counselling, professional workshops and tailored support to help participants find employment that better matches their experience and qualifications.

By supporting this project, Toyota continues to fulfil its commitment to being a responsible and engaged member of the local community. The programme will help unlock the potential of foreign nationals living and working in the Kolín, Nymburk and Kutná Hora regions, while supporting their labour market integration and social inclusion.

“Thanks to Toyota’s support, we can provide targeted assistance to both young people and adults who have the potential to succeed but need guidance to navigate the complex education and employment systems in a new country. This grant allows us to offer services that have long been missing in the region and that can significantly improve life prospects for individuals and entire families,”said Michala Musilová, Manager of the Centre for the Integration of Foreigners.

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