Ostallgäu District Office: Support for integration and volunteering!

Ostallgäu District Office: Support for integration and volunteering!

There is new impetus for the integration of immigrants in the Ostallgäu district. The Ostallgäu District Office has launched a program that is intended to support a variety of projects and volunteer work. This initiative aims to make it easier to arrive in the district and to strengthen voluntary work.

The projects supported include intercultural festivals, bicycle workshops, language courses and the establishment of community rooms. Volunteers can also apply for support for important work equipment such as laptops, printers and teaching materials. The application process is simple: send an informal application via email to integration@lra-oal.bayern.de is enough. A short project description, the desired funding amount and bank account details must be provided. An official proof of use is not required; the applicants only guarantee the intended use.

Commitment to integration

District Administrator Maria Rita Zinnecker emphasizes the importance of citizens' voluntary commitment and their support for integration. “We would like to use this funding to create incentives for local integration work,” says Zinnecker. This initiative is seen as an important step to improve coexistence in the district and promote diversity.

But the support doesn’t end with the district office. The nationwide program “Social Cohesion – On Site. Networked. Connected” also offers valuable funding opportunities that focus on improving intercultural coexistence. This includes projects for multiplier training for volunteers. These funds are advertised annually through an expression of interest process and are available to both new and existing projects, such as bgz-vorort.de reported.

European funding opportunities

In addition to local commitment, there are also European funding available through the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) be managed. The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) Plus are two key programs that support such integration projects. These funds not only offer financial resources, but also the opportunity for a broad exchange of experiences and ideas that are important for integration.

Particular attention is paid to projects that are funded under the motto 'Integration through education'. The focus here is particularly on women with a migrant background as well as children and young people in order to ensure equal educational opportunities and promote participation in social life.

The commitment to the integration of immigrants is therefore a common concern that is promoted at various levels, from local to European. So it remains to be hoped that citizen engagement will continue to be highly valued and that numerous projects can be realized!