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Reunion after 15 years: old neighbors meet in Cologne!
Find out about the emotional reunion of a Cologne woman with her neighbor from Lindenthal after 15 years and the memories of her childhood.
Reunion after 15 years: old neighbors meet in Cologne!
Returning to memories and old connections can sometimes seem like a completely unexpected gift. This is what happened to a woman from Cologne who was recently contacted by the older daughter of a former neighboring family - after more than 15 years. Growing up in an apartment building in Lindenthal/Braunsfeld, the narrator, as an only child, had a special relationship with the neighboring family who moved to Rodenkirchen at the end of the 1960s. “It was not an easy task to keep in touch, especially because I was away from Cologne for 16 years,” she says. But now, thanks to a seemingly everyday surprise conversation between the neighbor's daughter Ingrid and a school friend about her children, the door to the past has been opened again. The Rhenish advertising papers reports that the meeting that followed was filled with many anecdotes, photos of children and grandchildren, and hearty laughter.
Isn't it fascinating how friendships can change over the years? The contact between the two women was limited in time, but both were looking forward to meeting again. A little anecdote on the side: Both women not only share their memories, but also the zodiac sign Taurus - a connection that offers them another piece of common ground.
Integration of refugees in the Archdiocese of Cologne
At a time when the discussion about caps and admission restrictions has increased, the welcoming culture of 2014/15 remains in the minds of many people. “Integration is not a one-way street,” says Hensel, who underlines the importance of everyone’s active participation. This perspective is also suggested in a recent study by the Bosch Foundation, which points out that the social participation of refugees is often underestimated. In addition to practical help, personal contact also plays a central role. The Bosch Foundation therefore calls for more flexible handling of support for refugees.
Challenges and opportunities
Many refugees want to actively integrate into their new communities and are looking for qualification opportunities, but this can create tension. One aspect that is often overlooked is the need for reliable contacts. Because not only the formal integration, but also the interpersonal level are crucial for harmonious coexistence.
So when the first steps towards rapprochement and integration in the community are taken, this is important not only for the newcomers, but also for the locals, who can learn through encounters to reduce prejudices and promote understanding. The “New Neighbors Campaign” will celebrate its tenth birthday with a ceremony in Siegburg on October 31st this year. An occasion that not only honors the commitment, but also gives hope for the continued positive development of integration work in Cologne.