Mustafa is an exiled Afghan, a refugee who had to leave his country because, as he says himself, terrorists took power there in 2021. He shares his fate with thousands of other refugees, and with growing unease he observes the public debate on refugee policy drifting in ever more extreme directions. In principle, he has no objection to simple solutions, because his solution for successful integration is also simple: refugees look after refugees.

Mustafa is a member of a network of exiled Afghans who left their country years and some decades ago and have found a new home in Germany. They include doctors, teachers, plumbers and agricultural scientists like Mustafa. They are all integrated, they have succeeded, and they all suffer more than native German from the sluggish, ineffective integration system.  In Mustafa’s experience, it takes 5 to 7 years for an Afghan refugee to integrate in Germany if he or she has to rely solely on the governmental structures. Endless visits to the authorities, endless waiting for a language course, no one to explain the logic of the separation of state and religion – all this leads to frustration, culture shock, misunderstandings and mistrust. What happens at the end of a cascade of frustration are not-so-rare cases of domestic violence in Afghan families and rare cases of extreme violence in public. The latter draws the image of refugees in society and fuels the debate on immigration policy.

Even if it is only a tiny proportion of criminal and violent people in the total number of migrants, their actions determine how society views everyone. The result is once again mistrust, hatred and violence, but this time among Germans against migrants. The vast majority of those who have long since integrated suffer as a result, they are viewed with suspicion on the street, they are denied housing, they are disadvantaged when looking for a job, etc., meaning they are confronted with unnecessary discrimination. In other words, they are being confronted with unnecessarily distressing situations that make it even more difficult for them to integrate, even though they have long since integrated.

Mustafa is therefore directly affected and has a very honest, almost selfish interest in changing the situation. His willingness to put energy into the matter is correspondingly high. He knows the problem of the ineffective integration system from his own experience and that of hundreds of others, and from equally direct experience he also knows how to make it work much better. In 2021, his younger brother Ali Sina came to Germany. Instead of letting him live in another city, Mustafa immediately brought him to Giessen and organised the necessary steps for integration himself. It took them two years and Ali Sina had a fixed employment as an engineer.

Not everyone has the prerequisites to become an engineer, but anyone can become a well-integrated part of society within two years, regardless of whether they are Afghan, Syrian or Sudanese, Mustafa is certain of this. The key is that a newcomer needs a compatriot who is already integrated, a mentor sharing the same cultural background who can smooth their integration. Together with his network of 700 exiled Afghans, Mustafa wants to create a mentoring programme and test it with 50 refugees in the first year.  The free and very willing mentors are ready, as are the first 50 refugees; the psychological, medical, legal and other necessary support is available in the diaspora network, and Afghan social scientists will carry out the accompanying monitoring. However, there will be costs for the organisation, for travel within Germany and for self-organised language courses. Weltweit e.V. will provide the first €2000, and we are happy to invite further donations. Ultimately, this way of integration will only cost a fraction of the ineffective way of state institutions, and the best thing is that it will be more pleasant for everyone. That’s why Mustafa’s pilot project is called: Pathways to Joyful Integration. Integration is certainly more successful if it is also fun, for both sides, i.e. the newcomers and the long-established residents. We are convinced that Mustafa’s project is the right one, because it is based on self-organisation by those most affected, who are also the best qualified.  Let’s do it! 

In an era where urbanization dominates, over half of humanity now finds itself in the concrete jungles of cities, leading to a disconnect from the natural world. This shift indoors, driven by modern lifestyles and safety concerns, has significant implications. Historically, nature has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and healing. Whether it is a tranquil walk in the woods, the rhythmic sound of ocean waves, or a night sky filled with stars, these experiences are soul-nourishing. Our connection to earth is fundamental; it drives us to protect it and fuels our dedication to sustainable living and conservation.

Sacha: Cultivating a Love for Nature from Childhood

The importance of developing a connection with nature during childhood cannot be overstated. Yet, studies indicate a concerning trend: children’s lives are becoming increasingly indoor-centric. With an average of 44 hours per week spent in front of screens and less than 10 minutes daily outdoors, there’s an urgent need for change.

Enter Sacha, a trailblazing initiative with a mission to bridge this gap through experiential outdoor education. Sacha’s primary goal is to craft learning environments immersed in nature, nurturing creativity, and cultural diversity, and a safe space devoid of gender discrimination or violence.

The Fight Against Climate Change

Sacha’s focus on the younger generation is strategic in combating climate change. By integrating climate action into its framework, the project demonstrates sustainable production methods and advocates for eco-conscious lifestyles. Its efforts are pivotal in minimizing waste and fostering a global embrace of sustainable living.

A Legacy of Environmental Guardianship

Sacha empowers children to profoundly respect nature, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility. Early exposure to the owners of our planet can inspire future leaders in environmental protection and sustainability.

Building Sustainable Communities

Sacha’s philosophy extends beyond individual growth; it contributes to the broader vision of crafting resilient, sustainable communities. By promoting a love for nature and eco-friendly habits, Sacha in instrumental in sculpting a future where humans and nature thrive in harmony.

Project Update: A Flourishing Journey

Since its inception in March, Sacha has made remarkable strides. To date, the program has enriched the lives of 503 children across six rural schools with hands-on environmental education. Participants explore Mollesnejta Agroforestry Center with a national park, delving into forest ecosystems, and visit the region’s first ecological farm to learn about sustainable food systems.

With the pilot program’s conclusion on the horizon, Sacha is launching a corporate initiative inviting businesses to support through social responsibility contributions. Additionally, outreach to private schools is underway, assessing interest in a paid version of the program. Exciting developments include crafting educational materials for Mollesnejta’s inaugural forest museum.

Looking Ahead

As Sacha continues to blossom, we eagerly anticipate partnerships with local entities to expand our reach and secure additional funding. Our commitment to nurturing environmental custodians through immersive nature-based education remains steadfast.

http://welt-weit.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Invitation_Workshop_ProjectMonitoringReporting_GIS.pdf

Thanks a lot to Anita Jakubowski for reviewing and making the German-English a bit more English-English.