Market of Opportunities: 250 visitors discover integration opportunities!

Market of Opportunities: 250 visitors discover integration opportunities!

Around 250 visitors came to the “Market of Opportunities” in Wilhelmshaven, an event that was entirely dedicated to the needs of people with a migrant background. The aim of this trade fair was to provide information about local offers, advice centers and career prospects. First City Councilor Armin Schönfelder opened the event and emphasized how important participation and equal opportunities are for successful integration. The trade fair was organized by Michelle Thaden and Pascal Mair from Querrum GmbH, who are making a significant contribution to promoting integration.

The great interest in the trade fair shows that the people in Wilhelmshaven are keen to actively inform themselves and broaden their perspectives. At various stands, visitors were not only able to collect information material, but also talk directly to representatives of institutions and clubs. Michelle Thaden emphasized that such low-threshold offers are highly relevant for urban society and should become an integral part of the integration offer in the future. During the discussions it became clear how important it is to provide concrete help for integration.

Integration and support in Germany

Promoting integration has a long history in Germany. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is celebrating 20 years of promoting integration this year. With the entry into force of the Immigration Act on January 1, 2005, a new course was taken that reformed integration policy and systematically developed support offers. This includes a variety of integration courses that not only teach the German language, but also provide information about entering the country, finding accommodation and life in Germany. [BAMF] reports that these offers are particularly important for migrants.

Both European and national funding supports integration projects. The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) promote measures to integrate third-country nationals and strengthen social relationships. These funds are essential to overcome both economic and social challenges.

Joint efforts for a better future

As part of these initiatives, it is important to also focus on special projects such as the “Win-Win – Cooperation for Integration” programs. These are aimed at young men with a migrant background and aim to facilitate access to education and employment. Such programs show how comprehensive the support prospects are for people with a migrant background and that there are numerous approaches to starting a new life in this country.

The “Market of Opportunities” as a successful model is another step in the right direction and shows that bringing together resources and information makes a difference. It remains to be hoped that Wilhelmshaven will continue to stay on the right track with such initiatives in order to offer everyone a fair chance to participate.

The need for such initiatives will continue in the future, because integration is an ongoing process that requires the support of the entire society. Those interested can find more information about special support programs and integration courses on the BAMF website; the [BAMF] supports other advisory services.

For those who are interested in funding opportunities, the Federal Agency for Civic Education provides a lot of information on its website that can help identify suitable projects and get actively involved.[bpb] offers extensive information on funding for refugee and integration projects, so that it is easy to get started here too.