Model project in Oldenburg: Fight against poverty in Donnerschwee-Süd!

Model project in Oldenburg: Fight against poverty in Donnerschwee-Süd!

What is happening in Donnerschwee-Süd? An ambitious model project has started in Oldenburg that is intended to serve as a role model in the fight against poverty and social tensions. According to NWZ Online, this district is confronted with a high poverty rate, which particularly affects children. Almost 30% of residents in this area receive community benefit, and housing conditions are often precarious. Many families live in cramped two-room apartments, which leads to challenges in everyday life.

The social situation is exacerbated by children's conspicuous social behavior, frequent suspensions and overwhelmed parents. Many families have a history of immigration and struggle with language barriers - around half of the households do not predominantly speak German. The leisure activities are also less than ideal: primarily there are hardly any facilities that invite you to actively participate in community life. In addition, there are always problems with waste, with wild garbage dumps and overflowing waste containers.

Design together

The aim of the project is to improve the residents' opportunities for social participation and to actively involve them in the development process. As a first step, a neighborhood meeting took place where the ideas were discussed together. A central component of the plan is the creation of “places for everyone” – barrier-free meeting places without pressure to consume, which are intended to serve as meeting places. Among other things, the use of the de-dedicated Reconciliation Church and the football field on Donarstrasse are conceivable.

The public space should also be upgraded, including through greenery and barrier-free design. Education also plays an important role: Donnerschwee elementary school takes part in the StartChances program to offer the children better prospects. Increased use of school social work and language mediators should help to advance integration.

A large number of local actors, including the municipal youth welfare service, are also planning integration projects and mobile youth work. New forms of living such as shared apartments for older people are also being examined in order to promote coexistence in the neighborhood. Optimizing waste management and increasing educational work are further aspects that are being addressed.

Insights into the future of neighborhood development

The approach in Donnerschwee-Süd is part of a larger trend in urban development. As nationale-stadtentwicklungspolitik.de emphasizes, social cohesion is becoming increasingly important in new urban districts. Urban development funding programs, such as the “Social Cohesion” program supported by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction (BMWSB), aim to create lively and inclusive neighborhoods. These initiatives show how important it is to design public spaces and promote social relationships.

The identity of a neighborhood plays a central role here. The residents’ experiences and stories contribute to the creation of a shared living space. Following successful urban development projects in Hamburg, Vienna and Munich, work is also being done in Oldenburg to create meeting places and enable participation. The challenges are great, but with a good concept and committed citizens, a lot can be achieved here.

The path is clear: with a strong community spirit and the support of funding such as those offered in the BMWSB program, Donnerschwee-Süd could become a model for other districts in the future. Joint action that addresses the needs of all members of the district is the key to positive development.