"Democracy realization for migrants becomes a tangible reality in Offenburg"
In the heart of Germany, the city of Offenburg has been making waves with its unique approach to integration. This small city has been awarded first place in the "Community for All" category at the Staatsanzeiger Award 2024 for its educational offering that aims to help refugees understand the fundamentals of democracy and societal values.
At the core of Offenburg's project is the Stolperstein tours, a significant part of the city's history. Led by young guides, these tours share the stories of victims of National Socialism, making history tangible and emotional. The tours have been emotionally impactful for participants, with some laying flowers at the memorial stones and comparing their experiences with those of the victims.
The Offenburg project is funded by the city's integration office and is free of charge for participants. It uses immersive formats, such as Stolperstein tours and city and museum tours, to help refugees orient themselves in their new surroundings and learn about the city's history. The project also includes workshops, where participants engage with the core values of democracy and draw connections to their own life reality.
The concepts of democracy, rule of law, and human rights are addressed throughout the Offenburg project. These abstract concepts are made more understandable through interactive formats, encouraging dialogue and practical application. The "13 Demands of the People" were adopted in the memorial site Salmen in 1847, and the project uses this historical context to teach about Germany’s complex history and democratic development.
Feedback from participants indicates that the tours help them practice German and develop a better understanding of societal structures in their new home. The city's approach to integration demonstrates that it can be achieved not only through language and the labor market, but also through education and cultural engagement.
The Stadtanzeiger Award jury commended Offenburg for its exemplary approach to integration, highlighting education and participation in cultural memory as key components. A subscription to the Staatsanzeiger is required to subscribe to topics and save articles.
Cities across Germany are adopting similar interactive methods to educate recent immigrants about democracy and historical values. These methods include integration courses, pre-integration and cultural orientation programs, community engagement initiatives, and the use of multimedia and digital tools. By respecting the diversity of immigrants’ experiences and promoting empowerment, these cities are enabling immigrants to integrate not only linguistically but also civically and culturally in Germany. This holistic approach aligns with governmental integration strategies that emphasize participation and mutual understanding.
