Last weekend, the Advisory Board for Migration and Integration (BMI) set up a stand at the Nahe-Center to provide information about the Integreat app and promote its use. The app is a digital integration platform that local authorities can use to pass on all relevant information to immigrants in multiple languages. After all, one of the reasons why integration can fail is a lack of information. As BMI Chairwoman Nancy Toro Botero reported, interested visitors to the information stand were given pragmatic help with downloading the app so that they could use it straight away.
The Integreat app is already used by 25 percent of all cities and districts nationwide in their integration work. It was activated in the Birkenfeld district at the end of 2023. It is provided by the district and the city of Idar-Oberstein for people with a migration background living here, especially for new residents. The app contains locally adapted information that is not only valuable and helpful for newly arrived people with a migration background. It offers a wide range of information, such as the first steps that need to be taken when moving here. For example, information on everyday life, healthcare, important contact points in the city and district or leisure facilities and places of interest can be accessed. There are also important tips on how to deal with waste. This is an issue that has been causing problems in Idar-Oberstein for some time and one that the Integreat app is intended to help solve to some extent. In addition, up-to-date information can be communicated via push message.
The city administration of Idar-Oberstein is also using the Integreat app to provide information about the upcoming election of the BMI on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Nancy Toro Botero said in this context: "Many migrants can't relate to the term 'Advisory Council for Migration and Integration'. If you then say the word 'Foreigners' Advisory Council', people immediately know what is meant." Perhaps the terminology should be rethought. After all, the most important thing is that people feel addressed and know what is meant, says the chairwoman of the advisory board.
- Further information on the election of the Advisory Board for Migration and Integration can also be found on the city's website at www.idar-oberstein.de/wahlen.