First World Refugee Day in Eichstätt: Encounters that touch!
First World Refugee Day in Eichstätt: Encounters that touch!
On July 1, 2025, the first World Refugee Day took place in Eichstätt, which served as a platform for exchange and information. This event offered refugees from the region the opportunity to share their stories and draw attention to their challenges. Under the motto "I bring potential", the visitors heard interesting interviews with refugees who were available on a cell phone. These stories illuminated the often painful experiences that many of them have had in Germany, such as bureaucratic hurdles, misunderstandings and the expectations that are placed on them. The diocese divided.
A remarkable story came from Olena Belbas, a 47-year-old woman from Ukraine who fled to Eichstätt with her 14-year-old son in April 2022. Before her escape, she worked as a psychologist and has now integrated intensively into German society by attending German courses and now working as a social worker at the Eichstätt vocational school. Naimat Shinwari, a 24-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, also reported on his trip. He has been living in Germany for four years and finds hope in his new friendships. Naimat plans to start an apprenticeship as a painter to finally gain a foothold.
challenges and integration
The stories of the refugees illustrate the challenges associated with the arrival in a foreign country. Many refugees not only have to get used to new processes and behaviors, but also often face the challenge of learning the language. Particularly unaccompanied minor refugees often feel alone and need special support. The UN refugee aid emphasizes that the mood and attitude of the population in the recording country are decisive for the integration process.
An exhibition entitled "Of Hope and Strength" also took place as part of the World Refugee Day, in which the perspectives of refugees from Eichstätt were presented. Stories of Mexican immigrants who have to master their very own challenges were also shown here. Leticia Pintor from Mexico reported on her new beginning in Germany and the associated difficulties, even if she didn't have to flee because of war.
social reactions and skepticism
The social reception of refugees and immigrants is, however, ambivalent. A survey of the SPIEGEL shows, that expect about two thirds of the respondents, both with and without migration history, positive effects of refugees on business and culture. But skepticism is growing - especially in people without a migration background, which increasingly perceive refugees as a threat to prosperity. The integration index has fallen to 66.3 points, which indicates increasing uncertainty within society.
The stories and the perspectives of those who have fled show that despite all challenges and skepticism, integration can succeed. The promotion of participation and access to information is essential so that both newcomers and the receiving society can learn from each other and the social cohesion is strengthened.
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| Ort | Eichstätt, Deutschland |
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