Successful café for intercultural exchange

In June and July, dedicated students from the University of Jena organised a get-together café for all interested parties, including refugees and (international) students from young to old.

The first meeting café in June took place in summer temperatures in Paradies Park. People made themselves comfortable on picnic blankets with refreshing drinks in the shade of the large park trees. Interpreters and games (to get to know each other) facilitated contact and dialogue between the participants. A volleyball was also used and showed once again that playing sport and having fun together creates initial connections that can be built on.

The second meeting café in July took place in Jena-Lobeda in Emils-Ecke, a neighbourhood centre. Here, too, people sat together over coffee and cake, played games, chatted and also discussed personal problems and challenges faced by people who have experienced flight in Jena. Large posters with themed questions such as "What is your favourite place in Jena?" also made it easier for participants to exchange ideas. At the end of the day, everyone enjoyed a warm evening meal together.

Thanks to the financial support of the Friends and Sponsors of the University and the great voluntary commitment of the students, it was possible to organise two successful meeting cafés with around 40 participants each. The project was supported by Seebrücke Jena.