Integration prize awarded for the first time in Bocholt

Bocholt - The city of Bocholt, together with the city's Integration Council, has awarded the Integration Prize for the first time. This prize recognises individuals and groups who are particularly committed to the city community. The prize is endowed with a total of 2,000 euros.

The integration prize is a special honour and a sign of recognition for the integration work in Bocholt, emphasised Bocholt's mayor Thomas Kerkhoff, who welcomed the guests in the Bocholt Skylounge. Thomas Kerkhoff: "I'm sure you all deserve this award!"

Juan Lopez Casanava explained the background and history of the award. "We want to praise all those involved tonight," said Lopez Casanava, who was himself part of the five-member jury. "The choice really wasn't easy for us," he emphasised.

Two winners were honoured this year. The Hohe Giethorst School received 1,500 euros for its "School without Racism Office" - the office, initiated and run by pupils, serves as a contact point for victims of discrimination and racism and promotes awareness of these issues in everyday school life. Emad Armanious, who comes from Egypt, was also awarded 500 euros for his outstanding social commitment.

About the School Without Racism Office

The "School without Racism Office" at Hohe Giethorst School, run by pupils for pupils, is a unique project. The pupils offer empathetic support to those affected by discrimination and racism, thereby making a significant contribution to an inclusive school environment.

According to laudator Juan Lopez Casanava, Chairman of the Integration Council, the office promotes a sense of belonging among pupils with an international family history. "This project, and we on the jury agreed on this, ensures that pupils with an international family history can feel like equal members of the school community," said Casanava.

The project includes

• Lujain Bilal
• Efhimia Stamoulaki
• Walaa Al Mustafa
• Emily Paus
• Zakia Marnko
• Blanke Turek
• Esraa Abdalhalem
• Anna-Sophia Ketteler
• Sheribana Sadiku
• Diva Sakhi
• Hanna Kurtenacker
• Josephine Bohle
• Zeynep Maksuti
• Sem Zerei Gebrmaryam
• Juliane Krolle and Mehmet Turan (mentor teachers)

Emad Armanious, who came to Bocholt in 2014 for family reasons, was honoured for his diverse activities against discrimination and racism. He supports people of all ethnic origins and backgrounds and is valued in the community as a valuable problem solver and supporter.