Many communities in rural areas have recognized that immigration as well as the integration and participation of migrants are important topics for the future, not least because of demographic changes and in order to safeguard rural development. Ensuring the integration and participation of newcomers requires sustainable strategies and concepts, local cooperation between politics, administration, civil society, migrants, and businesses, as well as political and social conditions that foster such processes. With the “Land.Zuhause.Zukunft – Integration und Teilhabe von Neuzuwanderern in ländlichen Räumen” program, the Robert Bosch Stiftung, in cooperation with the University of Hildesheim, supports counties and their diverse stakeholders in further developing innovative and viable approaches for the integration and participation of newcomers to rural areas. The program also organizes a systematic exchange of knowledge through regular networking meetings – including virtual ones. Furthermore, together with the University of Hildesheim, the Foundation develops action recommendations for policy and practice and supports rural communities in communicating their needs to decision-makers and other stakeholders.
Doro Spiro