Moving against racism - We are all Beckum
Panel discussion offered exciting insights
The evening was moderated by Wilhelm Stratmann, intercultural trainer at the NRW police force, who first categorised the terms racism, migration background and people with an international family history and got the audience in the mood with short exercises.
On the podium, 8 committed people of different ages and from different parts of the world then shared their personal stories and experiences. From the youngest participant, aged 14, to older people: The different voices reflected the colourful community of Beckum. They reported positive encounters in everyday life and the power of solidarity that can be felt in the community.
"It's important that we listen to each other and learn from each other," said Marei-Liselotte Feile, integration manager for the city of Beckum, who was also on the panel. "It helped me a lot that a girl in my primary school class was simply there for me. I didn't speak German well yet, I didn't know my way around, I didn't know how everything worked here. But she supported me and made it easier for me to integrate," said 14-year-old Aisha, for example, who fled to Germany from Afghanistan with her family at the age of four.
"For me, the Mütterzentrum Beckum was extremely supportive with its offers, especially the language mentor project of the 'Welcome to Beckum' initiative. My language mentor is even sitting in the audience, without her I would never have learnt the German language so well, thank you," says Hülya Özkann, who was sitting on the podium with her 19-year-old daughter Zeynep. The two of them came here with their family without any knowledge of German and now speak the language perfectly.
The event not only provided space for personal experiences, but also for discussions about the challenges posed by racism and discrimination. This led to a lively exchange that motivated those present to stand up for respectful coexistence. "Moved against racism - We are all Beckum" was also a sign of the strength of the community and the commitment to fight racism.
The International Weeks against Racism will continue until 30 March. Similar events will also be held in Beckum in the future to actively combat racism, raise awareness and promote dialogue and an inclusive and colourful society. The next event will take place on Thursday, 22 May on the topic of "Understanding and being understood better - through intercultural competence at work and in everyday life!" with the two intercultural trainers Magdalen Adlouni and Wilhelm Stratmann.