Future of the integration pilots in Wilhelmshaven endangered!

Future of the integration pilots in Wilhelmshaven endangered!

In Wilhelmshaven there is a valuable Caritas project on the brink: the integration pilots, who have been supporting people who have been fully enthusiastic for years, are concerned about their future. The reason is massive budget cuts that the state of Lower Saxony plans. Loud nwz online Sacrifice over 1500 people again came into the unknown, which are currently being looked after by the committed pilots.

The integration pilots are a real backbone of integration work. With an average of three families per pilot, the 20 active helpers support around 300 refugees and help them to find their way around their new surroundings. "We have many success stories to tell," says Dr. Monika Stamm, the coordinator of the integration pilots. A particularly large number of people have found a job through this help, many of them in nursing.

valuable support and intercultural exchange

The work of the integration pilots goes far beyond simple bureaucracy. They take on a bridge function between people from different countries of origin and support newcomers not only in the event of a dealings, but also in everyday tasks such as shopping or dealing with waste management. "We want migrants to feel comfortable here and be well integrated," explains a volunteer pilot.

Another important aspect is the “Café International”, an event format that serves the intercultural exchange and is intended to reduce prejudices. These events are not only enriching for the refugees, but also for all participants who can experience the diversity in Wilhelmshaven.

financial uncertainty and impending

But the concerns rise because the existing funding guideline expires on December 31, 2024. By the end of the year, the project work has still been secured by the Caritas Landesverband's own funds, but what comes afterwards is uncertain. Should the state of Lower Saxony shorten the budget for the integration fund from one million euros annually to only 300,000 euros, the effects would be devastating and an essential interface for integration and social cohesion would be lost.

As a consequence, this could significantly impair the committed integration work and rob more than 1500 people of the support that they urgently need. The country plans an increase to 1.3 million euros for 2024, but the uncertainty remains whether these funds will really flow.

Take the opportunity to support the committed work of the integration pilots! Volunteering plays an important role in integration, as is also emphasized by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees . Every young person can become a bridge builder to promote diversity and with each other.

We very much hope that the necessary support for this important project will be found quickly and that the integration pilots can continue their valuable work. Because how could our society exist without such cohesion and integration?