Joyful laughter and then even a happy cheer: “The first match!” Language training can be really fun! Especially, when the “boring grammar” is approached through games and the little stacks of matching cards grow during a round of “Memory”. It is the first “Sprachtreff“ in the Protestant Parish Center in Daaden and the house is full of people: More than 30 guests of different ages, backgrounds and varying levels of language skills have come together. They are materializing what the “Sprachtreff“-project was intended to be: a place for both refugees and locals to come together, practice German words and reading texts and to really talk to each other in a casual atmosphere.

The “Sprachtreff” in Daaden is part of the EU-funded project “Sprachtreff – for integration in the countryside” and opens its doors now twice a week. Every Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning, people can come together to enjoy the friendly atmosphere. The project “Sprachtreff”, which was created by the „Büchereifachstelle“ (literally: library specialist department) of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (EKiR), is an addition to the existing local integration efforts. The “Sprachtreff” in Daaden is the only project of its kind in Rhineland-Palatinate and is set to continue until the end of June 2020. The project offers the support of volunteer Speaking- and Reading-Mentors to enhance language skills and facilitate the integration both into society and the workforce.

Speaking- and Reading-Mentors offer support

Judith Schumacher, project collaborator of the regional church “Büchereifachstelle”, is more than happy while looking at the people that have gathered. She had hoped that a lot of people would attend the project’s kick-off, but her expectations were more than fulfilled. Part of the crowd are the parish pastors Kirsten Galla and Steffen Sorgatz as well as the volunteer language-mentors, who have prepared themselves for the upcoming work in the past weeks: They are seven women and men so far, who will support new residents twice a week as they improve their German language skills.

Judith Schumacher, who oversees multiple “Sprachtreffs”, will also be in Daaden from time to time, but also provides the training and guidance of the volunteers. “We are always happy about new Speaking- and Reading-Mentors!”, she emphasizes. The expansion of the local community and regional networks will function to create synergies and to strengthen the local integration efforts.

The Protestant parish of Daaden was also selected as a project partner due to its diverse set of competent integration efforts: Part of these efforts are the weekly consulting hours conducted by Diakonie consultant Miriam Jäger in the parish facilities.

On both days, the “Sprachtreff” is open to all those interested. Children are always welcome since the “Sprachtreff” also offers them animating and exciting activities.

Borrowing materials for free

A number of materials (books, games, flashcards, course materials of the language classes, books in “simple language”, job-specific training materials and many more) are already in stock in Daaden as well as allocated funds for further purchases. “This way, we can acquire individually suitable material”, Judith Schumacher explains. Since all materials can be borrowed for free, the specialist expects the big “hits” to be available in multiple versions.

During a “Sprachtreff”, individuals can also conduct online research as a means of assistance, be it for professional orientation, applications or other things.

The project “Sprachtreff” will be scientifically monitored and evaluated. Findings and results will be used as indicators for future potential locations.

But for the divers group of people sitting together in Daaden, the “scientific background” of the study is irrelevant. The joyful get-together, the playful successes and the light bulb moments – due to understanding yet another part of the German language – and the continuously growing ability to properly speak to one another are at the center of it all.

The “Sprachtreff” in Daaden is open every Tuesday from 16:00-18:00 and every Thursday from 10:00-12:00 in the lower level of the Protestant Church halls Daaden (Hachenburger Straße 1) for all those interested.

A substantial selection of diverse materials is available at the “Sprachtreff”. All offered materials can be used during the “Sprachtreff” hours, but they can also be borrowed free of charge. There are also both entertaining and educational materials for children available: They can lean new vocabulary while playing games for example.

Those who want to can also borrow materials. Specialist Judith Schumacher is pleased about an already extensive variety of supplies, but the budget allows for the purchase of further materials.

Photos and text: Petra Stroh