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Names & LinkedIn
William Berget; (https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-berget-b19594289/)
Maria Cristina Drăguțescu; (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-maria-dragutescu-21650137b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app )
Nazek Kigab https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazek-k-9b98412b1/
Mariam Barakat
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In Heilbronn today, the underutilisation of already existing social infrastructure - libraries, cafés, and public spaces - limits genuine interaction between immigrants and long-term residents. While the number of immigrants living in the city is over 30% of the population, opportunities for informal social contact and community building remain fewer. Because these spaces are not effectively used by all groups, and community participation remains low, opportunities for connection and inclusion continue to decline. This lack of engagement affects multiple stakeholders: immigrants, who seek stronger inclusion and better socioeconomic outcomes; the local government, which aims to strengthen cohesion and maintain Heilbronn’s reputation as an inclusive city; and NGOs, which strive to extend their reach and partnerships. If effective crosssector coordination is not achieved, social fragmentation may deepen, with reduced levels of community trust and an inability of the city to transform diversity into a shared civic strength.
We propose transforming community centres, libraries, parks, and cafés in Heilbronn into "third spaces": inclusive hubs for immigrant integration through language courses, education programs, cultural events, and study hubs. Such spaces foster interaction, skills development, and a feeling of belonging. Partnerships by employers, NGOs, and city services will create pathways to employment via skill recognition and apprenticeships. Participation and outcomes are monitored in a data-driven way for continuous improvement.
The solution is technically feasible by leveraging existing infrastructure; financially viable by co-funding between public, private partners and long-term economic returns; socially acceptable as it engages local residents and volunteers; environmentally sustainable since it reuses shared urban spaces instead of developing new facilities. Pilot programs will test engagement and logistics before scaling across the city. Finally, the initiative caters to stakeholder needs by reinforcing cohesion and workforce readiness, making Heilbronn as an inclusive, resilient city.
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We recognize that our understanding of Heilbronn’s immigrant integration landscape is limited. Exact costs of loans, annual participation growth in civic or cultural events, and the lived experiences of all residents are not fully known. Data on social inclusion, language needs, and cultural differences is incomplete, and the challenges of long-term funding, digital access for elderly migrants, and institutional cooperation further complicate planning. To address these uncertainties, we will launch a small pilot in two neighborhoods with different demographics. This will allow us to monitor participation, collect detailed user feedback, and evaluate platform accessibility. By learning continuously and collaborating with the Heilbronn District Office, local NGOs, and academic partners, we aim to refine our approach and build an inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable strategy that evolves as we gather more reliable data.
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