This is how integration looks like!

Eva Videla

After being in Munich for a week, I’ve been struggling with the word integration. I understand integration as the action of becoming part of the main culture in an specific community. For example, back in the states we have the dilemma about non-English speakers. -If you live in the United States, you should only speak English. I do agree that language is very important, and we should all learn English. However, we cannot ignore the special circumstances that we have in the border. On the other hand, German learning classes are a must once you arrive in Munich. Consequently, I feel that you get judged by how much German you know. Therefore, refugees integration measure can be represented by their language skills.

My assigned NGO is the Bellevue di Monaco. With a wide range of services from legal aid to cultural events, Bellevue di Monaco has a more organic practice of integration approach within the community. Currently, the organization is in the process of expanding and renovating their installations. At the same time, they are working in a cafe bar that will create internship and job opportunities. Consequently, they are creating active members for the community and giving people the tools necessary for their new life in Germany. Indeed, integration is a difficult and abstract process and Bellevue di Monaco is doing their part by providing workshops, German language lessons, cultural events, and legal aid to people in Munich. They understand not only the reasons why people flew their home, but how difficult is to start over again. Therefore, their mission is to enhance the diversity and multiculturalism of the community.

The window that connects the Bellevue with Munich.

Finally, I learned a better word to describe what refugees need. -Teilhaben, is a German word that involves participation from both sides. Refugees do not get integrated by themselves. This is a community effort where everyone needs to take part. Finally, Bellevue di Monaco takes this responsibility by bringing together German residents with refugees. The goal here is that refugees will see Germany as a home. Germany will be their home, their community, as diverse as the soccer national team.