Kulturcafé Diversity: Encounter and integration in Neustadt stronger than ever!

Kulturcafé Diversity: Encounter and integration in Neustadt stronger than ever!

In the heart of Neustadt an der Waldnaab, the Kulturcafé Diversity has developed into an important meeting place that offers a home to very different people. Originally launched as a small coffee meeting for Ukrainian refugees, it quickly transformed into a meeting place for people with and without a migration or refugee background. Under the inspiring leadership of Elena Popova, who fled Ukraine to Germany three years ago, the culture café offers creative activities such as painting courses, sewing and cooking activities. This is not just teaching, but an exchange that creates friendships and networks.

What happens next? The KulturCafé, which opened its doors in April 2024, is well on its way to growing beyond the region. There will soon be new locations in Vohenstrauß, Mitterteich, Erbendorf, Kemnath and Tirschenreuth. The goal is clear: inviting meeting places that bring people together and promote intercultural dialogue. This is done with the help of committed volunteers and in close cooperation with local partners who support the KulturCafés in order to strengthen integration and the visibility of talent. Regular events, such as intercultural cooking evenings and language cafés, are just as integral a part as creative workshops and informative lectures that promote cultural togetherness.

Integration as a shared task

“Integration is a process that requires both the refugees and the host society to adapt and pull together,” is the credo of the UN refugee aid. Especially in times when many refugees cannot return to their home countries due to international conflicts, faster integration into society is of fundamental importance. The exchange in the KulturCafé is an important step in promoting not only social, but also economic and cultural integration.

Marion Riebl-Schäffler and Sebastian Kursawe from the district office see the culture café as a prime example of successful exchange in the region. “Here, integration is not just taught, but practiced,” says Riebl-Schäffler, explaining the importance of the project. The events make it clear how complex integration can be - and how much the local population is involved. It's about getting to know each other, respecting each other and ultimately growing together to a certain extent.

The next generation of integration heroes

Another highlight in the history of the KulturCafé is the team's nomination for the Lions Club Prize 2025. This award honors the voluntary work carried out and shows how much value is placed on integration assistance in the region. Olena Popova, who works as an integration guide at the Tirschenreuth district office, coordinates the various activities and ensures that all offers are well coordinated with one another. Her passion for intercultural dialogue helps to develop solutions for equal participation.

Anyone interested can also find out more information on the KulturCafé's Instagram page. The commitment and diversity that is experienced here show that there is a lot of potential in our society - especially if we all work on it together.