Hamburg's 'Welcome Dinner' Initiative Brings Locals and Newcomers Together
In Hamburg, a unique initiative called 'Welcome Dinner' is fostering connections between locals and newcomers from around the world. Sevgi and Kadir, a Turkish couple, recently attended one such event, bringing a plate of homemade borek to share. Their goal? To improve their German language skills and re-enter the workforce, with Kadir's electrical engineering background being a valuable asset.
The 'Welcome Dinner' association, founded by Laura Trager in 2015, matches hosts and guests based on location, group size, and languages spoken. Sevgi and Kadir, currently enrolled in a C1 German language course, hope that their successful certification will boost their chances of finding employment. Every Friday, the association sends out an email with the week's news and upcoming events.
On a recent Sunday evening, Laura hosted a 'blind eat' dinner for four people from different cultures who had never met before. The association aims to facilitate intercultural encounters on an equal level, casually around the kitchen table. However, the family's journey hasn't been easy. Despite their qualifications and eagerness to contribute, they've faced challenges in finding their own apartment.
The 'Welcome Dinner' association continues to bring people together, with around 20 to 30 appointments per year, a significant decrease from the initial 120 meetings per week in 2015. Sevgi and Kadir's story is a testament to the power of community and shared meals in promoting integration and understanding. As they work towards their C1 certification and a stable home, they remain hopeful for a brighter future in Germany.
