The German-Cameroonian Samaritans Association was founded in 2007 as a student initiative and has since been working to foster a society in which people of different backgrounds and cultural perspectives can connect with one another, learn from one another, and participate on an equal footing. The association is convinced that cultural diversity is not a problem to be managed, but rather a resource that can help strengthen our society and make the community more vibrant. Therefore, the association’s work focuses on encounters, education, cultural exchange, and engaging with socially relevant issues. 

One example of this is the collaboration with the Museum Wiesbaden, in which Dekasa brings the perspectives of the Cameroonian diaspora to the table, thereby creating spaces for encounters and a nuanced exchange on history, memory, and the colonial past. “A diverse urban society emerges where people listen to one another, share perspectives, and take on responsibility together,” emphasizes Milena Löbcke, Head of the Integration Department. 

Through a wide range of programs, the association brings together people from all walks of life and provides space and opportunities for exchange and social participation. With cooking classes, family festivals, cultural events, community-based projects, and creative gathering formats, Dekasa e.V. creates spaces where people can learn from one another and experience diversity together. 

The twelve-member jury, consisting of representatives from the Social Affairs Committee, the Foreign Residents’ Advisory Council, the three religious communities —the Christian churches, the Jewish community, and the Muslim community—as well as a representative from the migration counseling centers, chaired by Milena Löbcke, Head of the Integration Department, was once again very impressed by the submitted applications and nominations this year: “The city of Wiesbaden can be grateful and proud that so much work—largely carried out on a volunteer basis—is being done here to promote integration. The applications were very diverse this year as well, just as integration work in Wiesbaden is. Everyone makes an important and crucial contribution every day to the people in our urban community and to integration in Wiesbaden.” 

The award ceremony, hosted by Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende, will take place on Thursday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall ballroom. During the ceremony, the award recipient will have the opportunity to present their work.