Integration

Goals

• The working group pursues the goal of integrating older people with a migration background into German society and promoting their participation in social life.

Information

• Seniors' Advisory Council meets Integration Council (16.08.2023)

Integration was the main topic of the meeting, on which Juan Lopez Casanava, the chairman of the Integration Council, gave a presentation. The Integration Council represents the interests of the residents of the city of Bocholt with a migration background. Casanava emphasised: "The most important thing for people who come to us from abroad is to learn the German language." There are still many obstacles to overcome here, especially among older people with a migration background.

On the other hand, an appropriate, unbureaucratic, low-threshold offer of language courses must be created. For the first introduction to the German language, the lecturer does not necessarily have to have a degree in German studies.

The conclusion was that integration is not only an issue for immigrants, but that there are also many parallels in the field of work with senior citizens and people with disabilities. Therefore, an ongoing exchange of information between the councils is recommended.