International Day of Integration

The Bafög is by far the most unique, fair and non-discriminating symbol of Integration in Germany. It has not only made it possible for Foreigners but also Germans to successfully complete their tertiary education.

At the just ended Forum on Integration, that took place in the premises of the Julius-Leber-Forum - Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, in Hamburg Rathausmarkt 5. Many interesting issues pertaining, education, labor and accommodation were intensively discussed.

The participants were very knowledgeable and had deep insight of the topics at hand. Dr. Rita Panesar, BQM (Beratung, Qualifizierung & Migration), Mrs. Irene Appiah, Ministry of Education Hamburg “Behörde für Schule und Berufsbildung“  also a member of “Bildung ohne Grenzen”. Mr. Andreas Heintze,  Ministry of Education Hamburg “Behörde für Schule und Berufsbildung“. Mrs. Filiz Demirel, Member of Parliament (Hamburg) from the Green Party.
Also Dr. Christiane Unland-Schlebes, Ministry of Integration „(Behörde für Arbeit, Soziales, Familie und Integration (BASFI) &  Ibrahim Guèye, a Jounalist and a member of the „Afrikanischer Dachverband e. V.“ & „Senegalischer Dachverband“ Nordrhein Westfallen took part in the discussion.
Moderation was done by Millicent Adjei, president of Arca e.V.

 Integration: The proportion of people with a migration background in Hamburg is about  26.81%, well above the national average of 18.59%. Yet, this does not reflect in the state and private institutions, although many well meaning initiatives has been undertaken to address the issue. It is in view of this that Arca – Afrikanisches Bildungszentrum e.V. organized the forum.

Integration! – Almost all panelists had their own interpretation -/definition to it.

Education: The panelist were of the opinion the last unsuccessful educational reform in Hamburg was regrettable, there should be one school for all at the elementary level.

Pre-requisite of having to speak, write and understand perfect German before enlistment into schools is wrong, the schools should rather be equipped with teachers and necessary logistics to enable these kids become successful.

Though in the elementary schools, "Bio-Germans" account for 50% and Germans with migration background accounts for 50%, nevertheless teachers with migration background in Hamburg is only about 16%.

The ability for kids from German homes that makes it the tertiary institutions is higher as compared to kids from foreigners and Germans with migration background.

The good news according to Mrs. Filiz Demirel is that Hamburg has succeeded in establishing the 19-23 class per teacher in the weaker communities.

Accommodation: The discrimination in the residential-/Accommodation market was also a matter of concern. Race, color and country of origin are a determining factor in acquiring a place of abode. Foreigners and more especially those with less disposable income are the number victims.

The private real estate developers are not the only culprit. SAGA-GWG, the state supervised is also deeply involved. Most often you see as much as 100 people or more sent to observe an apartment. Most often about 90% are non Germans at least by color.

This tendency has resulted in the springing of Ghettos in certain suburbs’ of Hamburg notable the Harburg district.
The SPD lead government of Olaf Scholz must pay serious attention to the accommodation problem. Most foreigners, especially the vulnerable are very desperate.

Labour: It is sad to notice that after Germany has spent billions of Euros to educate Germans with foreign background. About 90% in the NRW end up going to Canada. A third of Turkish children go back to the Turkey. It is surprising to learn that about 30% applications coming from non Bio Germans are not looked into. They end up in the dustbin. Be it 1+.

Most often those who get the opportunity to attend interviews fail, questions are often designed to suit Bio- Germans.
We have about 170,000 unoccupied positions in Hamburg alone, whilst we have thousands of qualified non Germans forming long queues at Job Centers -/ARGE on daily basis what a pity.

Conclusion: We need to redefine who a German is and start doing the right things today, right structures in the kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. More teachers and supervisors with foreign backgrounds should be employed.

Integration courses should not only be organized for non "Biological Germans", but Germans especially the officers having to do with foreigners on daily basis.

Let’s invest in everybody, and everybody becomes a national asset. Unification must not only focus on East – West relationship, but embracing all irrespective of color or race. I want to be a German and not a Black German.

God Bless Germany! God Bless Africa!

Desmond John Beddy