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Refugees in Bamberg: How you can help?
In eight apartment buildings in the "Flynn Housing Area the former U.S. military site will house up to 1500 asylum seekers from the Balkans as of Septemberg 2015. © Markus Raupach
Bamberg – In view of the growing number of asylum seekers, Bamberg has launched the "Bamberg hilft" initiative launched. Ulrike Siebenhaar, press spokeswoman of the city administration, explains the refugee situation in the city and shows possibilities how citizens can become active.
Mrs. Siebenhaar, the action "Bamberg helps" was launched by the city. How exactly did it come about?
"We are currently experiencing the largest wave of refugees since the Second World War, and some are even talking about a veritable mass migration. In view of this challenge, it seemed important to Mayor Andreas Starke to strengthen viral awareness of the issue and to bundle support among the population. To this end, he received support from the political world, for example from the president of the district parliament Gunther Denzler and district administrator Johann Kalb. In addition, the churches participate. For example, Dean Hans-Martin Lechner and Archbishop Ludwig Schick found clear words and signaled: Whoever needs help here will get it."
What does the path look like for the asylum seekers when they arrive here? What is their first point of contact?
"Basically, the government of Upper Franconia is responsible for this. There, the people are first registered and then distributed to the cities and communities and municipalities according to the so-called Konigsstein Key. In Bamberg, there are shared accommodations for them in a decentralized location."
Among the 600 or so refugees living here so far are also some unaccompanied youths. How to specifically address their needs?
"There are various local organizations that care for the ca. Taking care of 90 underage refugees in Bamberg. These are above all Caritas, the association "Friend instead of stranger and the Workers’ Welfare Association. The employees support the asylum seekers in their dealings with the authorities and offer German courses. However, there is still work to be done to integrate them into the education system, especially more kindergarten and school places need to be created."
Recently there have been repeated reports of attacks on asylum seekers. Notice also some of the resistance to the migrants?
"There have been two rallies of so-called "concerned citizens" in the past year. But as long as the 100 demonstrators, most of whom did not come from Bamberg, are opposed by up to 4,000 citizens, I am not worried about the city. However, there is an increasing uncertainty among people and thus a growing right-wing populist fringe, as also shown by the founding of the party ‘die Rechten’. Especially here, the media as translators of political messages are asked not to stir up additional fears."
In mid-September, 1500 more asylum seekers will arrive in Bamberg. Do you think, also in view of the fact that Bamberg is up to it?
"Yes, I am convinced of that, but we have to roll up our sleeves to make it happen."