On Sunday, 2nd of February, 2014, a dialog between cultures and religions took place in Cologne. The nonprofit association “Eritreischer Kultur- und Sozialverein” the Eritrean Community and the German civil center invited for this event and people happily followed that invitation in order to promote the conversation between cultures and religions.
The atmosphere was warm among the participants, not yet caused by the events Host, Mr. Stefan Stankowski, whose funny jokes broke the ice in the very beginning. After a short explanation to the audience about the following agenda, the official opening was opened by Mr. Idris Omer, the Chairman. Mr. Omar introduced the work of the “Eritreischer Kultur- und Sozialverein (Eritrean Community )”, which was founded back in the middle of the 80ties.
To convey an idea about the different cultures and ancient customs a short film was presented. After this short, cultural intermezzo, the main part started: The Talk among cultures and religions. On the tables, where the guests were seated, various questions were prepared on the subject “Culture and religion” and everybody was able to place him/herself at tables were they were interested in. The table subjects were far fanned out: from challenges in terms of integration in school live, everyday situations or dealing with different religious groups till to political subjects, like the development of the state Eritrea with its social, economic and political challenges. It did not last long and constructive discussions followed at the tables – in particular at the table on the subject on development of the State of Eritrea. In keeping with the motto “firm but fair” every question and statement which occurred was sassed out in front of the audience, so everyone had the chance to bring his/her own idea on the platform to the bigger audience.
To build a more solid foundation which is based on trust and knowledge about each other, more events like this have to take place, everyone agreed on that, but, and that’s the main essence an important beginning has been made on that Sunday.
The nonprofit Eritrean association was able to bring its work and achievements to a non-Eritrean listenership and the non-Eritrean listenership took the advantage of a situation to speak eye to eye with people of different origin, background and point of views. So that those who knew Eritrea only from media or history books had the opportunity to get to know information on first base.
After the official part the cozy one started. Eritrean Women served traditional blanched coffee with a huge number of different pastries and cakes. However, the talking didn`t stop. Little groups, which wanted to continue their talking, where still in lively discussions.
Let’s hope that events like this will continue in the future more often and the term Integration will turn in to a lived philosophy.
Eritrean Community in Cologne and environ (Germany).
http://www.koelner-wochenspiegel.de/rag-kws/docs/830028/chorweiler