Since 2017, the Integration Fund of the state of Lower Saxony has been funding projects that support urban society in coping with the diverse challenges posed by the influx of refugees. In addition to Salzgitter, Delmenhorst and Wilhelmshaven were also eligible in the first year, and the number of eligible municipalities increased to 11 in 2018. " This development shows how important the integration fund is for the municipalities. These funds benefit the entire urban society," emphasizes Klingebiel and clarifies that "all pupils, with or without a refugee background, benefit from an increase in school social work, for example."

State Commissioner Matthias Wunderling-Weilbier emphasizes: "I am delighted that the state of Lower Saxony has now been able to support the city of Salzgitter in its major integration challenges for the third year in a row. It was always clear that the integration of refugees would be neither easy nor quick. In order for the entire urban society to work well together, targeted projects are needed that enable the city of Salzgitter to respond to this challenge. The Office for Regional Development in Braunschweig will therefore continue to support the city of Salzgitter in this issue in the future."

What does this mean for Salzgitter in concrete terms? A large proportion of the money from the integration fund, which was made available for the first time in 2017, is being used for investment measures. Daycare centers have been and are being expanded or built to meet the increased need for childcare. In Fredenberg, a district that is facing particular educational challenges due to a high influx of new residents, a 5-group daycare center with 75 new kindergarten places and 30 crèche places is to be built. The construction costs are estimated at 3.75 million euros. 3 million euros will be financed from state funds and 750,000 euros will be borne by the town itself.

Numerous projects are also supported that are not as visible and striking as building projects, but which are nevertheless immensely important for keeping the city society together. Various low-threshold integration services are provided in cooperation with independent welfare organizations. Discussion groups, homework help, language courses that do not replace German courses, but teach language skills through activities such as baking and cooking together because German is spoken, are just a few examples. Community-building measures such as the organization of district festivals are also part of this. They offer an opportunity for residents who have lived there for a long time and newcomers to meet. The declared aim here is to reduce fears, misunderstandings and social tensions. Language mediators also provide an important service here. Volunteers receive a fee subsidized by the I-Fund and translate when visiting authorities and doctors. In addition, health mediators are trained to offer information events on preventive healthcare in various languages for people with a refugee background. This year, a total of 30 events were held on topics such as vaccinations or nutrition and exercise, which were attended by almost 400 people. Further funds are being invested in school social work, the municipal public order service and the increased deployment of staff in youth social work. While the aim of school and youth social work is to reach young refugees, support them in their everyday school life, show them low-threshold leisure activities and provide help with career guidance, the municipal public order service is aimed at everyone. It works preventively, tries to mediate, reacts to problematic developments in individual neighborhoods and is present. The measures supported by the Integration Fund are multifaceted. "Integration is not an individual task and will not be completed any time soon," concludes Klingebiel: "It is the task of all of us to support the refugees who have been granted a right of residence and want to integrate into our society and give them a new home. And it is my job to keep an eye on all people - whether young or old, newcomers or people who have lived here for a long time - and not to allow a debate about envy to arise."