Heinrich Böll Comprehensive School celebrates diversity with the new Colorful Eagle”!

Heinrich Böll Comprehensive School celebrates diversity with the new Colorful Eagle”!

The Heinrich Böll Comprehensive School in Schmachtendorf not only celebrated its 44th anniversary with a celebratory school festival on September 26, 2025, but also set a strong example of diversity and tolerance. A highlight of the celebrations was the ceremonial unveiling of the “Colorful Eagle” plaque, which has the motto “Diversity is my home”. This plaque was attached to the school wall in the direction of Dudelerstrasse and is intended to make the lived diversity in Oberhausen visible. In a city where one in three residents has an immigrant background, this is an important sign.

Headmaster Werner Brücker praised the committed cooperation with various actors, especially Ercan Telli, the managing director of the Integration Council. He made it clear that such collaborations are necessary to promote an inclusive and respectful society. Kevin Schanz, prospective councilor for Schmachtendorf-West, was also recognized for his initiative to bring the different parties together. He emphasized how important the plaque is as a symbol of cultural diversity.

A symbol for Oberhausen

The “Colorful Eagle” initiative is much more than a simple symbol. It represents the people in Oberhausen who are part of this community regardless of their origins and past. The colorful eagle, inspired by the German federal eagle, retains the shape of the traditional heraldic animal, but has new colors. These special colors stand for the non-negotiability of the values ​​of the Basic Law and for the togetherness of the people of Oberhausen, like the website colorfulradler.de describes.

Oberhausen itself is perceived by its residents as a home, which illustrates the strong connection between its citizens. However, there are efforts to bring social diversity more to the fore and to counteract political forces that want to promote separation between people.

Diversity in change

In the current discussion about diversity, a study by the Bosch Foundation points out that the acceptance of diversity in Germany is decreasing. Individual empathy, i.e. the ability to put oneself in other people's shoes, has the strongest positive influence on the acceptance of diversity. In contrast, a pronounced wealth protectionism inhibits the willingness to share resources.

Against this social background, the Heinrich Böll Comprehensive School with the “Bunter Adler” is not only an award for its own diversity, but also a symbol for Oberhausen - a place where understanding and acceptance should go hand in hand. The SPD Sterkrade-Nord welcomed this commitment and cooperation, which is essential for a colorful, diverse society.

It is to be hoped that the celebrations and the introduction of the plaque will encourage people to continue working towards respectful coexistence and raise awareness of diversity in every corner of the city.