Three award-winning projects impressively show how integration can succeed through solidarity and commitment, said government vice-president Monika Linseisen on Thursday afternoon in her speech at the award ceremony for the Lower Bavarian Integration Prize. At the same time, she emphasized how important the support from committed citizens such as award winner Elisabeth Teichert, the Huldsessen sports club and the Baierbach Helpers’ Circle is.
Commitment to education and integration
The retired teacher Elisabeth Teichert from Steinach near Straubing has been volunteering for refugees for years and, among other things, offers German lessons. “There is nothing more beautiful in the world than when one thing leads to another,” is Elisabeth Teichert’s motto. She can be particularly proud of the success of one of her protégés, who has now completed his studies and found a job at the Fraunhofer Institute.
“Sport connects” at SV Huldsessen
Thomas Messner was honored for his “Sport connects” initiative, which has been involving refugees from Ukraine in the sports activities of SV Huldsessen near Eggenfelden since 2022. Through club sports, Messner offers refugees an opportunity to make contacts and actively participate in community life. The sports club thus contributes to integration and the breaking down of barriers. Two examples: Former South African professional rugby player Tim Vann offers weekly fitness training in the club and is committed to building a rugby team. And Ukrainian Oksana Olkova helps organize festivals and other events.
Housing and jobs for Ukrainian refugees
Josef Limmer founded the “Baierbach Helper Circle” in the Landshut district in 2022 to help refugees from Ukraine. Among other things, the group of helpers ensured that the new arrivals received apartments with internet access, which made it easier to find work. The group of helpers provides support with administrative procedures, doctor’s visits and offers language courses. The initiative helped almost all adult war refugees find jobs and thus created a solid foundation for sustainable integration.
The Lower Bavarian Integration Prize is endowed with a total of 6,000 euros and is provided by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, Sport and Integration. The honorees each receive 2,000 euros in prize money.
