Credit: Fondation HMT / Carmen Palermo
On Monday 26 October 2026, Luxembourg's Fondation Henri-Maria Teresa reported that Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, President of the Foundation, visited Maison Sourrire (House of Smiles) in Esch-sur-Alzette on Thursday 22 October 2026 to meet refugee women supported by the SOAR (Support, Opportunity and Resilience) project, as well as the team assisting them.
According to the Foundation, SOAR was initiated in collaboration with Stand Speak Rise Up! in 2025 and has been run by Fondation Henri-Maria Teresa since 2026. The project is the first of its kind in Luxembourg.
"It illustrates the complementary nature of the Grand Duchess's commitments through her two organisations, united around the same objective: supporting refugee women survivors of sexual violence on their path towards recovery and integration into Luxembourg society," stated the Foundation.
The project currently supports around 30 refugee women, as well as their children. It offers comprehensive assistance, including psychological, medical, legal and material support, as well as activities promoting well-being, the resumption of language learning and the development of social connections.
Conducted in partnership with several Luxembourg associations, notably Maison Sourrire, Passerell and SINGA Luxembourg, SOAR offers a safe and supportive environment to enable each woman to regain autonomy, dignity and a full place in society.
According to the Foundation, deeply moved by the testimonies and courage of the beneficiaries, the Grand Duchess shared moments of exchange with them marked by emotion and trust. This first working visit marks a new stage in her commitment to continuing, strengthening and raising the profile of this support in Luxembourg.
