Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue among the German & Eritrean
Communities residing in Cologne-Chorweiler (Germany)
On Sunday, 2nd of February, 2014, a dialog between cultures and religions
took place in Cologne. The nonprofit association "Eritreischer Kultur- und
Sozialverein" the Eritrean Community and the German civil center invited
for this event and people happily followed that invitation in order to
promote the conversation between cultures and religions.
The atmosphere was warm among the participants, not yet caused by the
events Host, Mr. Stefan Stankowski, whose funny jokes broke the ice in the
very beginning. After a short explanation to the audience about the
following agenda, the official opening was opened by Mr. Idris Omer, the
Chairman. Mr. Omar introduced the work of the "Eritreischer Kultur- und
Sozialverein (Eritrean Community )", which was founded back in the middle
of the 80ties.
To convey an idea about the different cultures and ancient customs a short
film was presented. After this short, cultural intermezzo, the main part
started: The Talk among cultures and religions. On the tables, where the
guests were seated, various questions were prepared on the subject "Culture
and religion" and everybody was able to place him/herself at tables were
they were interested in. The table subjects were far fanned out: from
challenges in terms of integration in school live, everyday situations or
dealing with different religious groups till to political subjects, like
the development of the state Eritrea with its social, economic and
political challenges. It did not last long and constructive discussions
followed at the tables - in particular at the table on the subject on
development of the State of Eritrea. In keeping with the motto "firm but
fair" every question and statement which occurred was sassed out in front
of the audience, so everyone had the chance to bring his/her own idea on
the platform to the bigger audience.
To build a more solid foundation which is based on trust and knowledge
about each other, more events like this have to take place, everyone agreed
on that, but, and that's the main essence an important beginning has been
made on that Sunday.
The nonprofit Eritrean association was able to bring its work and
achievements to a non-Eritrean listenership and the non-Eritrean
listenership took the advantage of a situation to speak eye to eye with
people of different origin, background and point of views. So that those
who knew Eritrea only from media or history books had the opportunity to
get to know information on first base.
After the official part the cozy one started. Eritrean Women served
traditional blanched coffee with a huge number of different pastries and
cakes. However, the talking didn`t stop. Little groups, which wanted to
continue their talking, where still in lively discussions.
Let's hope that events like this will continue in the future more often and
the term Integration will turn in to a lived philosophy.
Eritrean Community in Cologne and environ (Germany)
Photo reportage
https://picasaweb.google.com/110791082726278507113/GesprachDerReligionenUKulturen2Feb2014#slideshow/5975939844405122898
German News Paper - Wochenspiegel
http://www.koelner-wochenspiegel.de/rag-kws/docs/830028/chorweiler
Received on Mon Mar 03 2014 - 19:02:49 EST