“Diversity is not a threat, but an enrichment,” said Eckart Wüster, dean of the parish of Bonn, with confidence at the opening of the 12th Bonn Book Fair ‘Migration’ on the topic “Shaping diversity – Living democracy”. He was pleased that numerous exhibitors had come again to the House of History this year, which in itself is already a sign of diversity. Praeses Manfred Rekowski also praised the work of the volunteers: “What the book fair is accomplishing, is something outstanding.” For four days in the House of History in Bonn, diversity was celebrated and in addition to workshops, readings and exhibitions, artistic events completed the program. In the foyer of the House of History, publishers and initiatives presented their programs and publications.

The project staff of the EU-funded project “Language Meeting – for Integration in the Countryside” had also come to Bonn to introduce the visitors to the work of the volunteers in the ‘Sprachtreff’. “I think it’s great to see how many dedicated people are coming together here,” said Helene Schäuble, who oversees the media research of the project and was highly sought after among the staff of other refugee initiatives. Many of whom were looking for suitable media to use and were attracted to the “sample library” again and again, where they gladly received book recommendations from Helene Schäuble.

“This project is exactly what is needed,” rejoiced a lady, who teaches language courses for refugees and therefore knows how important the practice of speech is for getting along in everyday life. In the language centres, refugees can practice German with the help of volunteers and, above all, extend their professional language skills. This also appealed to the employees of the association “Education instead of deportation e.V.” from Bonn, who repeatedly sought the conversation with the project staff and wished for stronger network collaboration in the future. For the employees of the project ‘Sprachtreff’ the four days were an impressive experience and Helene Schäuble summarises: “The book fair was a great enrichment and we were able to make many interesting contacts.”

 

 

Text: Judith Schumacher

Photo: Helene Schäuble