The state of Hesse is funding integration work in the district until the end of 2030 – the focus is on language, networking and social participation
The WIR Diversity Center of the Groß-Gerau district will receive €600,000 from the state of Hesse. Social Affairs Minister Heike Hofmann presented the funding notification to District Administrator Thomas Will at the district office on Monday. The funding covers the period from January 2026 to the end of 2030.
The funds come from the state program "WIR – Diversity and Participation". The multi-year funding is intended to continue and further develop existing integration structures in the district.
Coordination of integration work
WIR Diversity Centers act as an interface between the state and municipalities, as well as between administration and civil society. Their tasks include coordinating regional integration efforts and developing strategies for coexistence in the municipalities.
Furthermore, the centers serve as contact points for migrant organizations and volunteers. They advise public and civil society institutions on issues of opening up to diverse social groups and on dealing with structural discrimination and racism.
At the handover, District Administrator Thomas Will described the diversity center as an important interface for, among other things, language, education, work and training, health, voluntary work and social participation.
Social Affairs Minister Heike Hofmann emphasized the long-term funding period. This is intended to enable municipalities to plan their integration work more reliably.
German language courses are to be expanded
One focus of the WIR Diversity Center in the Groß-Gerau district is on offerings for learning the German language. This service is to be further expanded.
The work program also includes collaboration with a working group on securing skilled workers in the educational sector. The network of migrant self-help organizations and intercultural associations will also be further developed.
Another focus is cooperation with the foreigners' advisory councils and integration commissions in the district.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
Featured image:At the official handover of the grant notification (from left): Sedef Yıldız, Head of the Integration Office of the Groß-Gerau district, Minister of Social Affairs Heike Hofmann, District Administrator Thomas Will, and Sarah Müller from the WIR Diversity Center. Photo: Groß-Gerau district
