Kulturcafé Paletti: Successful model for integration in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Kulturcafé Paletti: Successful model for integration in Schwäbisch Gmünd

The Kulturcafé Paletti in Schwäbisch Gmünd celebrated its seven-year anniversary last weekend. This event was not only a foray into the diversity of cultures, but also an important moment for the “Encounter of Cultures” association, which, at ten years old, can look back on an impressive track record. The roots of this great project lie in the effort to offer people from different nations a place to meet and actively live integration. The city of Schwäbisch Gmünd has made it its mission to continue to support the association despite financial difficulties, which is very much appreciated by many of the approximately 40 volunteer members. These committed people help newcomers to find their way in the community and become part of social life Remzeitung reports.

The festival program at Paletti was a real feast for the senses. In addition to international culinary delights, the participating groups presented a variety of cultural performances. An international women's choir, an Albanian children's dance group, a Ukrainian shadow theater, Tamil dances and Swiss musical instruments contributed to creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. Mayor Richard Arnold described the Paletti as a “place of trust” during the celebrations. Around 140 nations live together in the city, meaning the number of countries of origin has doubled in the last ten years.

A space for all cultures

The Paletti sees itself as an open café for people of all genders, educational levels and origins. Dr. Ute Leidig, State Secretary in the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration, visited the café and was impressed by the diversity and commitment of the volunteers who promote lively exchange. Particularly committed members like Hilal Okumus, who has been active in the café since 2018, and Mijung Cho, a musician from South Korea, lead regular meetings for people of different cultures and age groups. Other hard-working hands include physics and mathematics teacher Mehwish Iftikhar and Vathang Sathanadarajah, who offers sewing courses. Verónica Cárdenas de Sattler is also firmly anchored in the team as a Spanish teacher and choir director. Peter Stebbing from England, a regular visitor to the café, emphasizes the importance of social contacts for living together in a multicultural city.

But what about the future of the offer? Some volunteers express the desire for more support in order to be able to continue to maintain the free course offerings and catering. Angelika Grimmbacher, a board member of the association, pointed out the need for additional funds. Dr. Leidig and state parliament member Martina Häusler are positive about the café and its work and express interest in possible funding options to secure the valuable commitment to Paletti in the long term. Every little bit of support can make a big difference here, so that integration assistance can continue to grow, as Gmünder Tagespost reports.

The Kulturcafé Paletti has thus established itself as a successful model that is a place of encounter and exchange for all Schwäbisch Gmünders. With the tireless efforts of the volunteers and strong support from the city, Paletti is more than just a café - it is a central part of the city community that will certainly make a difference in the coming years.