Colorful Sole: Elia inspires as an ambassador for integration in Salzgitter!

Colorful Sole: Elia inspires as an ambassador for integration in Salzgitter!

On October 5th, a very special event was celebrated in Salzgitter: the awarding of the “Bunte Sole” prize. This award honors all those who actively promote diversity and integration in the region. Around 700 guests gathered in the auditorium of the Salzgitter-Bad high school to experience this special event. Organized by the Department for Integration and the Citizens' Service for Migrants, the program not only offered impressive speeches, but also entertaining performances, including music and cabaret.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening was the speech by the nine-year-old boy Elia. He courageously stepped up to the microphone and asked how peaceful coexistence was possible. His appeal not to exclude anyone based on material possessions was well received by those present and was recognized with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. A wonderful confirmation of how important cohesion is in our society. These emotions show that the “Bunte Sole” prize hits the right nerve and has provided the right stage since its introduction in 2013, when it was first known as the Integration Prize.

Prize winners and their important work

The “Bunte Sole” integration prize was awarded this year to the Ostertalschule in Lebenstedt. The school management and staff were recognized for their excellent integrative measures. The Ostertalschule follows a holistic approach that not only supports primary school students, but also takes their families into account. Participation in social life is strengthened through a wide range of activities, including learning to ride a bike and choir groups.

This approach is consistent with the goals of integration, which is to enable people to participate in community resources and develop their skills. In addition, the school has built a strong network in the neighborhood to support families with a migrant or refugee background. In his speech, Dincer Dinc, moderator and organizer of the evening, highlighted the exemplary cooperation with local residents involved in projects such as the free breakfast, known as “Brotzeit”.

The meaning of integration

Integration is an essential topic that is not just limited to local projects. It covers far-reaching societal challenges that have become increasingly important in Europe and beyond over the past 20 years. Strong migration movements and the associated social and economic upheavals have shown how important equal opportunities are for all citizens, especially for migrants. The commitment of citizens and institutions like the Ostertalschule, which actively contribute to integration in our society, should be appreciated all the more.

Integration has many facets and depends on various structural requirements, including access to education and the labor market as well as a secure social subsistence level. The responsibility for the integration process lies not only with the institutions, but also with the people affected themselves. It is a mutual adaptation process that includes all sides and aims at justice and social peace. The “Bunte Sole” award reminds us that every small gesture and every project counts.

The awarding of the prize is another sign that Salzgitter is a city that not only accepts diversity, but values ​​it as a valuable asset. The “Bunte Sole” is an invitation to everyone to work for harmonious coexistence.

For more details and information about the event and the honorees, check out coverage from News38, which summarized the highlights of the event, or visit the city's official website Salzgitter for more insights. It's also worth taking a look at the comprehensive integration information provided by BSV be provided to throw.