Ten years arrived: A look back at hope and community

Ten years arrived: A look back at hope and community

A very special anniversary will be celebrated in Giessen this June. The intercultural association “An.ge.kommen” looks back on a successful decade. Founded in 2015, when the number of people seeking protection in Germany rose sharply, the association's mission is to support the individual needs of refugees, for example when dealing with authorities, visiting the doctor and looking for a job. The association also focuses on language courses and social encounters in order to offer refugees humane access to their new living environment Gießener Anzeiger reported.

The need for such offers was and is enormous. Over 1,000 people have visited the club in recent years. “An.ge.kommen” is supported by hundreds of volunteers, some of whom come from very different backgrounds – from pensioners to working people. This broad support network is an important cornerstone of the organization, which has been on its way to becoming a landmark of community and togetherness in Giessen since its founding.

A place of meeting

The beginnings were modest - in the first few years the activities took place in public spaces as there were no dedicated premises yet. In 2017 the association received its first office in the Sophie Scholl School; In 2019 the move to Walltorstraße took place, and in 2023 the move to the Center for Intercultural Education and Encounter (ZiBB) on Hannah-Arendt-Straße followed. This change is seen as a positive step to promote sustainable encounters, he said Giessen General.

“An.ge.kommen” not only offers language courses, but also many leisure activities. The Free Shop's neighborhood café Toller opens its doors every Tuesday for an open meeting. These regular events promote exchange and help to ease some of the social pressure that refugees are often exposed to.

Financial challenges and a look into the future

Despite all the successes, the club is faced with some challenges. Financial concerns are growing as rising operating costs and uncertain donation income are depressing. At the same time, refugees are struggling with structural problems, such as long waiting times for language courses or work permits - topics that are currently being hotly debated. The debate about the right to asylum and rejections at the border contribute to the tense situation Reporting by the Gießener Anzeiger underlined.

In order to draw attention to the existing challenges and raise awareness of the issue, the association is taking part in World Refugee Day on June 18, 2025 with rallies and information stands on the church square. For the 10th anniversary, an excursion followed by a cozy get-together is also planned - not a big celebration, but a sign of community and the hope for more understanding.