OWYO Campus
The OWYO Campus in Dresden is a unique place of professional and personal development for international professionals and refugees – with a special focus on Dresden and Saxony. Our aim is to prepare people for the German labour market and promote their integration into society through targeted training programmes and cultural exchange. With individual training courses, internships, personnel consulting and placement, cooperation and events, we create a sustainable community that strengthens Germany as a business location.
Our work is based on five key maxims:
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Taking responsibility
For our society, a stable social fabric and the future of Germany as a business location.
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Shaping the future
Initiating positive change and showing the way forward.
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Living values
Respectful and tolerant coexistence that values and promotes diversity.
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Promoting inclusion
As the key to an inclusive society and a productive economy that offers and seizes opportunities.
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Enabling education
For independent living and a stable, innovative community.
The OWYO Campus combines socio-ecological sustainability with cultural diversity.
On our listed site in Dresden, we use alternative energy concepts such as photovoltaics, green roofs and other technologies to achieve climate neutrality. We combine a modern learning environment with a strong culture of hospitality, inspiring people to build bridges between cultures and markets. In this way, we strengthen the future of companies and institutions and promote Germany’s innovative strength in global competition.
Together with strong partners, we are turning this visionary project into an inspiring model for education, integration and sustainability in Germany.
Become part of this mission and shape the future with us!
OWYO – Vision with a future
Our campus is more than just a place of learning and integration. It is a vibrant center that fosters diversity, creativity and collaboration. Our goal is to create a space that welcomes people from different cultural backgrounds and encourages them to develop their talents and pursue their dreams.
The team
Dedicated support for individual goals
The OWYO Campus multi-disciplinary team is made up of experienced professionals who are committed to the integration and development of participants. From course leaders and cultural mediators to coaches and HR consultants, the team offers comprehensive support to help you achieve your individual goals.
Clara Gruitrooy
Managing Director of OWYO GmbH
As founding managing director of OWYO GmbH, Clara Gruitrooy heads up the OWYO Campus and implements innovative programmes of tailor-made further training to combat the shortage of skilled workers.
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Clara Gruitrooy is the founding Managing Director of OWYO GmbH and heads up the OWYO Campus. With many years of experience in international cooperation and a strong network, she drives innovative programmes that meet the needs of both companies and participants.
Her vision is to make a significant contribution to solving the skills shortage in Saxony and beyond. Under her leadership, OWYO is implementing customised training and qualification programmes tailored to the specific needs of regional companies. The focus is on working with established training providers and public institutions to create synergies and make processes efficient and fair.
"We want to empower people to grow beyond themselves and take responsibility for our collective future."
With her commitment, she is helping to strengthen Saxony as a business location by attracting international talent and actively shaping the working world of tomorrow.
Magda Freund
Head of HR Consulting
Magda Freund is the central contact person on the OWYO Campus, who uses her experience in recruitment to successfully bring skilled workers and companies together and promote sustainable cooperation.
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Magda is a key contact for companies and participants at the OWYO Campus. With many years of experience in temporary employment and recruitment, she has the expertise to build bridges between international specialists and companies.
Her role is not only to train and prepare participants for their professional challenges, but also to actively integrate them into the labour market. By working closely with companies, she identifies their skills needs, finds suitable positions and initiates sustainable collaborations.
For Magda, her work is more than just a job – it is a mission to bring talent and opportunity together.
"Success happens when the right talent meets the right opportunity - we create connections that shape the future."
Mohamad Al Saidi
Project Manager
Mohamad Al Saidi plans and coordinates projects for social and professional integration, promotes intercultural exchange and strengthens long-term understanding between people and institutions.
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Mohamad Al Saidi is responsible for planning, organising and implementing projects that promote social and professional integration. He coordinates cooperation with partners from different sectors and ensures the smooth running of the projects.
With his experience in the hospitality industry and his language skills in German and Arabic, he builds bridges between people and institutions, promotes intercultural exchange and strengthens mutual understanding. His focus is on creating projects that have a long-term impact and promote integration in a sustainable way.
"Successful projects are created through clear goals and strong connections."
Jalal Al Qaryouti
Consultant for Projects, Research and
International Networking
Jalal Al-Qaryouti supports the OWYO Campus with his expertise in partnership building, project development and funding management, thus strengthening international networks and resources for successful projects.
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Jalal Al-Qaryouti supports the OWYO Campus in the areas of partnership building, project development and funding management. With over 18 years of experience in the humanitarian and environmental sector, he is a strong advocate for attracting non-European partners and applying for funding.
Through his work, Jalal builds bridges between the OWYO Campus and international organisations, ensuring that innovative projects have the resources and networks they need to succeed. His strategic approach and commitment to empowering participants reflects his dedication to sustainable change.
"My mission is to connect ideas, people and resources to drive sustainable and impactful projects."
Maliheh Rezaei
Graphic Designer and Project Management Assistant
Maliheh Rezaei creates creative designs and supports the OWYO team in the implementation of projects and the organisation of events.
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Maliheh Rezaei works as a graphic designer and project management assistant at OWYO GmbH. She designs posters and banners for events and helps organise exhibitions and other projects.
With a passion for creative design and a commitment to project success, Maliheh is an asset to the OWYO team, helping to bring ideas to life in a visually appealing and effective way.
"Design is more than aesthetics - it's a bridge that connects ideas and people."
Albina Müller
Course leader for application and interview training
Albina Müller supports international skilled workers and refugees in successfully preparing for the German labour market and achieving their professional goals.
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Albina Müller helps OWYO Campus participants achieve their career goals in Germany. She uses her expertise to prepare international professionals and refugees for the demands of the German job market.
In her job application training sessions, she helps participants to create professional documents and imparts important knowledge about what employers in Germany value. In the interview training that follows, she teaches participants how to present themselves confidently and how to highlight their strengths.
For Albina Müller, the focus is on the individual development of each person. She is convinced that the right support can open doors that were previously closed.
"My aim is to give participants the tools and self-confidence to actively shape their professional future."
Daniel Schönbach
Commercial and Technical Property Manager
With his technical expertise and commercial know-how, Daniel Schönbach ensures smooth campus operations as property manager and organises them flexibly and innovatively.
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Combining technical expertise with commercial know-how, Daniel Schönbach is an important pillar in the smooth running of the OWYO Campus. As Property Manager, he bridges the gap between administrative and operational tasks, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly and is involved in the planning and implementation of new projects.
His passion for technology, organisation and numbers is reflected in his contribution to forward-thinking education. Daniel brings together ideas, programmes and strategies to make campus operations flexible and innovative.
"Innovation happens when vision, structure and technology go hand in hand."
We are looking to strengthen our team!
Do you believe in a pluralistic society and want to help people find their professional and social place in Dresden and Saxony? Maybe you already have intercultural experience in a professional or voluntary context?
Then apply for one of our advertised positions or send us your unsolicited application and become part of our innovative team at the OWYO Campus!
History
A growing hub for international talent
OWYO was founded to meet the demand for skilled workers and to prepare migrants for the German labour market through education and practice. With an ever-growing network, the Dresden campus is becoming one of the most important meeting places for international talent and regional companies.
The shortage of skilled labour in Saxony is a pressing problem
The shortage of skilled workers in Saxony is an urgent problem. According to the latest skills monitoring by Saxony’s Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) and Chambers of Trade (HWKs), the demand for skilled workers remains high. 57% of the companies surveyed reported a total of 3,226 vacancies in May and June alone. Skilled workers and journeymen are most in demand.
Source: Saxony Regional Mirror
OWYO offers a solution
To meet these challenges, OWYO offers tailor-made programmes that take into account both the needs of companies and the potential of international skilled workers. By working closely with local companies and educational institutions, the OWYO Campus actively contributes to the integration and qualification of skilled workers, thereby strengthening Saxony as a business location.
Sustainability
Social responsibility and sustainability: building a better future
The OWYO Campus sets standards in sustainability and social responsibility. The transformation of a listed factory building into a modern educational campus not only preserves a piece of history, but also creates a place that combines innovative technologies and green initiatives. Green roofs, photovoltaic systems and other potential technologies such as deep geothermal energy and the integration of hydrogen as an energy source are key elements in making the campus carbon neutral. This project is being driven by the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) Gold certification for sustainability and energy efficiency.
But sustainability is not just environmental. OWYO Campus sees social responsibility as a core mission. In addition to educational opportunities, the campus places particular emphasis on the social integration of participants from all over the world, with their different beliefs, experiences and potential. Sports events, joint music-making and excursions promote a lively sense of togetherness. This creates space for encounters and promotes cultural exchange.
The OWYO Campus is not only a place of learning, but also a place of living – sustainable, inclusive and future-oriented.
OWYO is a place that unites
Our partners
Contact
Would you like to find out more about our qualification programmes at the OWYO Campus or do you have questions about the placement of international specialists? Contact us - we are here for you!
