The community or social environment - Niewiedzial expresses criticism toward extensive lodging for refugees.
Katarina Niewiedzial, the Integration Commissioner of Berlin, is disapproving of the approach that the black-red Senate is taking towards housing refugees. She also expresses similar concerns about the education policy of the Berlin Senate. "At present, there are more than 2,000 newly arrived children and young people waiting for a spot in a school in Berlin," Niewiedzial informed the German Press Agency. "I believe that the Senate's decision to educate children in emergency refugee accommodation is not ideal for integration."
Niewiedzial, whose tenure started in May, has been critical of the situation, "For quite some time, we have been facing a severe school crisis. Classes are too big, numerous school locations have been closed," she pointed out. "There's a shortage of around 27,000 school places and teachers to facilitate excellent teaching." The situation is regrettable, but not the refugees' fault, she added. "It is unjust that it is the most vulnerable who are affected the most by the education crisis."
She criticized the concept of 'welcome classes' and shared her personal experience, "As a Polish-born immigrant who came to Germany in the 1990s, I was taught in a welcome class. Even at the age of twelve, I was perplexed about how I was supposed to learn the language in a class where everyone else did not speak German." She later switched to a regular school where she had German language support lessons with other immigrants and learned every subject in tandem. "Educational research shows that this approach is more effective than teaching in accommodation."
Niewiedzial voiced her reluctance for large-scale accommodation in Berlin, "I'm skeptical towards the expansion of big accommodation in Berlin. It's costly and doesn't encourage integration." She highlighted the situation at the former airport site in Tegel, where 4,500 people reside. Although it's suitable for initial reception and as a temporary arrangement, it's not a viable option for long-term habitation.
Niewiedzial commends Social Affairs Senator Cansel Kiziltepe's stance on this issue, "Although the situation is tense, she's supporting decentralized accommodation for refugees." However, smaller accommodations spread across the city are also necessary, she asserted. "I'd like all twelve district mayors to visit Tegel's accommodation. Only then do you realize that decentralized accommodation is the best solution."
Out of all the options, decentralized accommodation is the recommended one. It's a more viable option for long-term habitation, and it stimulates social mixing, favouring integration. This perspective is crucial to addressing the ongoing crisis in Berlin's education system. Assistance for refugees should not detract from the welfare and development of the existing community members.
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Source: www.stern.de
