The musical work at the Eichendorff School with the "Eichendorff in Concert" project has been awarded the Integration Prize of the Year 2024, endowed with 1000 euros, for its outstanding professional and voluntary commitment. "The prizewinner's work and special long-term commitment fulfill the criteria for the Integration Prize to a high degree. Music unites, knows no language barriers and can therefore be a valuable contribution to joint coexistence and integration," said Martin Wilhelm, Head of the Social and Integration Department and chairman of the jury, in his statement.
The Eichendorff School was chosen as the winner by the jury because of its outstanding professional and voluntary commitment to social cohesion and the integration of its pupils in a highly multicultural city center. By making music together and providing musical support outside of the classroom, parents and teachers get to know each other better and there is more contact with the school community and teachers. This can help to overcome any existing language barriers.
"With its work and commitment, the Eichendorff School has rendered outstanding services to cohesion and integration in the city of Offenbach, which is characterized by diversity," was the jury's reasoning for awarding the prize.
The members of the jury are made up of representatives from institutions in the city:
- Head of City Council Stephan Färber
- Head of the Integration Department and chairman of the jury Martin Wilhelm
- Chairman of the Foreigners' Advisory Council Abdelkader Rafoud
- Protestant City Deanery Frankfurt and Offenbach
- Catholic Church - Pastoral Area Offenbach
- Offenbach Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Chairman of the Offenbach Sports Association
- Interest group of Offenbach school principals
- Jewish Community Offenbach
- German Trade Union Federation
- A representative of the mosque communities
- Municipal women's representative
- Municipal integration officer
- Journalism and press
The integration prize is endowed with 1,000 euros and is awarded annually. It will be presented at a ceremony in the coming year. The date will be announced in good time.