Around 100 citizens were invited by the city to find out how they can help on a voluntary basis.
From week to week, the local authorities find out which countries the refugees are coming to Salzgitter from. After being accepted in central accommodation, the refugees are provided with apartments after a settling-in phase.
While there were 162 asylum seekers in 2013, those responsible are expecting around 500 this year. So far, the city has rented 137 apartments in various parts of the city where the refugees will make their home.
"We want to welcome the people here," emphasized Christa Frenzel. Highly qualified people are fleeing from countries at war or in crisis in order to live here in safety. This start in a foreign country should be made easier with the help of a special welcoming culture. To this end, skills should be pooled and volunteers should be involved. "Volunteering is solidarity and humanitarian responsibility," emphasized Jörg Schumann, Deputy Head of Social Services and Senior Citizens. Every volunteer must consider in advance why they want to help the refugees in order to avoid disappointment later on. Respect, tolerance, patience, perseverance and empathy are just as important as curiosity, openness and composure. Anyone who wants to get involved is given comprehensive information and reassurance by the city of Salzgitter and has the opportunity to get to know each other.
Volunteers are deployed according to their strengths and abilities and are supported by employees of the specialist service during the initial phase. The assignments are varied: accompaniment to school, language mediation or help in the household are conceivable and are determined on an individual basis. The commitment should be limited in time because integration should be achieved as quickly as possible.
The Catholic and Protestant family education centers want to support this and help refugees integrate in various ways: A language course with social counseling is planned as well as the provision of practical tips for everyday life and a Salzgitter get-to-know-you program. The organization is being carried out in coordination with the Social Services and Senior Citizens Department.
Three volunteers described how important the support is, especially in the early days: Helga Ackermand plays with children and teaches language "playfully", which is great fun for everyone involved. Erwin Wesemann, co-initiator of the craft group, reported on the group's activities in Hallendorf. Pastor Benjamin Speitelsbach from the Evangelical Free Church in Salzgitter-Bad reported on the activities in his multicultural congregation. The aim of a special afternoon program is to break down fears of contact and create good relations. "What can our contribution to our welcoming culture look like?" was the question posed by the members of the congregation, which they followed up with action.
Christa Frenzel thanked them for their commitment and their willingness to help other people. "Every building block helps so that together we can give the refugees a good start in Salzgitter," said the First City Councillor.