Dusseldorf: Hispi marks its decade-long anniversary, packed with accomplishments
Celebrating 10 Years of Hispi: A Community-Driven Integration Initiative in Düsseldorf
Hispi, an acclaimed community-focused initiative based in Düsseldorf, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The organization, which stands for Help with linguistic integration, has been instrumental in assisting refugees to integrate into German society by providing language and integration support.
Over the past decade, Hispi has made significant strides in facilitating the linguistic integration of refugees, recognizing the crucial role language plays in their successful adaptation to life in Germany. The initiative offers a range of activities, including language courses, German learning support programs, and cultural integration initiatives.
One of the key aspects of Hispi is its strong collaboration with local institutions, such as municipal authorities and universities. This partnership ensures that the services provided by Hispi are tailored to meet the needs of the Düsseldorf community. While specific details about Hispi's projects and partnerships were not readily available, similar integration initiatives in Düsseldorf often partner with immigrant agencies, local government, and educational institutions like Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf to amplify their reach and impact.
Hispi's efforts have been pivotal in improving access to education, employment opportunities, and social participation for refugees in Düsseldorf. By removing language barriers, Hispi's work contributes to enhancing the quality of integration for refugees, a crucial component highlighted by integration commissioners in Germany to foster immigrant communities' inclusion and success.
The House of Friends, a former hotel, serves as the hub for Hispi's activities. The venue features a wall designed by the Hispi art group, a wish tree inspired by Yoko Ono's wish tree, and a seminar and common room adorned by the Hispi art group's wall. The House of Friends also displays plans and information for the residents on a wall in the lobby.
Hispi's motto, "Our Hispi is colorful," reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the community it serves. The initiative has been successful in supporting 40 refugees from disadvantaged groups, providing accommodation, counseling, and free units with language lessons and skill support for adults.
Merhawi Tewelde from Eritrea is one of the participants at Hispi. His journey with the initiative has been transformative, as he has honed his catering skills, serving snacks and mixing cocktails, while also learning German and integrating into the local community.
Over 400 volunteers have contributed to Hispi since its inception in 2015. Many former students of Hispi have become volunteer supporters, demonstrating the initiative's impact and the lasting connections it fosters.
If you are interested in learning more about Hispi, sponsorship opportunities, or volunteering, please visit their official website for detailed information. Hispi's work continues to be a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering integration and promoting a more inclusive society in Düsseldorf.
In light of Hispi's 10-year anniversary celebration, the organization's commitment to education-and-self-development extends beyond language and integration support. Online-education resources can be integrated into their current offerings, allowing refugees to continue learning at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes. Lifelong-learning, a crucial aspect of personal growth and societal integration, could be facilitated by providing resources for ongoing skill development and career advancement.
