WIR model project: Darmstadt for new citizens

The WIR model project ‘Wir sind DA! Darmstadt for new citizens' is funded as part of the state programme “WIR – Wegweisende Integrationsansätze Realisieren” and by the City of Darmstadt. PaSo GmbH (a non-profit organisation for participatory social work) in Darmstadt is responsible for implementing the project. The practice laboratory carries out the accompanying scientific research and evaluation.

The scientific evaluation focusses on the structures of the project, the developments and effects (achievement of objectives) of the project. To this end, empirical data is collected, evaluated and analysed using surveys, interviews and observations, and scientifically sound recommendations are made for the further progress of the project.

The Praxislabor is responsible for the accompanying scientific research of the WIR model project ‘Darmstadt für Neubürger*innen’, which is implemented by the project sponsor PASO GmbH and funded by the Office for Diversity and International Relations of the City of Darmstadt as part of the ‘WIR – Landesprogramm’.

The strategic goal of the pilot project is to enable new citizens in Darmstadt to explore those topics and fields that have so far been less in the focus of municipal and voluntary integration measures. First and foremost, the main topics and issues for new residents of Darmstadt are education, upbringing, social and health issues, language acquisition, housing and work.

In the context of the project, sustainable integration is also understood to mean equal participation and co-determination of urban society. The declared aim of the project is therefore to enable new residents, tandem partners, institutions and relevant stakeholders to get to know each other and network. This is realised by thematising and exchanging ideas about art, culture, nature and the environment. In addition to existential issues, these are topics that affect all citizens and to which there should be equal access. At the implementation level, in addition to the offer to get to know various city-relevant areas and actors, the active involvement of refugees and the consideration of wishes and needs in the sense of a participatory empowerment approach should also take place.

The project focuses on the following areas and aims to provide opportunities for exchange, familiarisation and exploring opportunities for participation:

  • Nature and climate protection
  • Economy
  • Sustainability
  • City history
  • Culture and leisure

Responsible for the project: Hannah Kaußen, Managing Director of PaSo GmbH

Evaluators: Dr. Olga Zitzelsberger and Sevim Dylong M.A.

Project duration: 04/2021 – 04/2024

The final report on the Darmstadt for New Citizens project is now available here! (opens in new tab)

The ‘Environment, Nature & Climate Protection’ module revolves around the topics of vegetable growing, the environment and nature. In this context, the new residents cultivate their own plot of land for vegetable growing on the 'Oberfeld Darmstadt', for example.

The cooperation with the Akademie für Tonkunst enables new residents to develop their own musical narrative with sounds, noises and language. No previous knowledge is required.

The venue is the Akademie für Tonkunst, further information can be found on the flyer or via PASO gGmbH.

The module entitled ‘City History of Darmstadt’ started on 16 November 2022 as part of a festive opening ceremony in the Justus-Liebig-Haus.

The concept of the module involves exploring Darmstadt both in tandem groups and as part of accompanying events organised by the sponsor. The following events took place as part of the module:

  • Information and familiarisation events
  • City rally through Darmstadt
  • A historical tour of Darmstadt during the Second World War
  • Visit to the castle museum
  • Final events