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Achievements in Integration of Dortmund: 'Indeed, we've made it happen!'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke at a government press conference on August 31, 2015. During her address, she uttered the provocative phrase, "We'll handle it." Subsequently, she outlined the responsibilities ahead...

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Affirmative instances of assimilation found in Dortmund: "Indeed, we have achieved it!"
Affirmative instances of assimilation found in Dortmund: "Indeed, we have achieved it!"

Achievements in Integration of Dortmund: 'Indeed, we've made it happen!'

In the summer of 2015, Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the Federal Press Conference, delivering a speech that would become iconic: "We can do it." This statement, both electrifying and polarizing, marked a turning point in Germany's approach to the refugee crisis.

Dortmund, a city that had been involved from the start in distributing hundreds of thousands of refugees, was perceived as Germany's friendly face. The city's welcoming culture was praised in international media, and its efforts to integrate refugees were commendable.

One such initiative was the "Train of Hope" (Zug der Hoffnung) association, founded in Dortmund. This voluntary group provided humanitarian aid, integration support, and social services to refugees and migrants. The association, still active in Dortmund today, gives a voice to former refugees who have succeeded.

The "Train of Hope" association's work contributes to the ongoing narrative of Dortmund as Germany's friendly face towards refugees. The "Dortmund's Successes: We've Done It!" exhibition, a key part of the "Ten Years of Welcoming Culture" event in Dortmund, showcases these successes. The exhibition will be on display from September 5 at the Keuning House in the Nordstadt neighborhood.

Voluntary engagement in Dortmund, including that of former refugees and others with migration backgrounds, was immense. The project title for the Nordstadtblogger's work, "working voluntarily," highlights this spirit of community involvement. Fatma Karacakakakurtoglu, chairperson of "Train of Hope Dortmund e.V.," is featured in a new episode of the Nordstadtblogger podcast "System Error."

However, ten years later, the political and media sentiment has shifted. The current discourse focuses on border closures and deportations in Germany. The rise of the AfD has increased societal polarization.

Despite these challenges, the contributions of organisations like the "Train of Hope" association remain crucial. Former refugees associated with "Train of Hope Dortmund e.V." actively contribute to social cohesion and are valuable skilled workers in the German economy.

For the latest and detailed specifics about "Train of Hope," local Dortmund municipal resources, the association’s official communications, or news coverage would be the most authoritative and up-to-date sources.

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