24# Education and Integration

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

In a constantly changing world, education and equal opportunities are the keys to a better future — for every child, every family and society as a whole. This is why I am politically engaged. To me, political engagement means taking responsibility and fighting for a fairer future.

As a society, we must give children and young people, particularly those growing up in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods, the opportunity to discover their talents and develop their strengths. It is time to explore new approaches to education and create innovative concepts that not only impart knowledge but also encourage individual development.

Education as an Investment in the Future

Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that recognises and nurtures their talents. This means laying the foundations for future success from early childhood.

The path to a better future begins with targeted support in nurseries and schools, meeting each child at their individual level and supporting their development.

Only then can we ensure that every child leaves school knowing what opportunities are available to them — whether through vocational training or university education.

Our goal must be to enable young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged families to overcome the limitations of their circumstances through education and discover new opportunities.

Yet reality often tells a different story. According to a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, more than 30% of young people with a migration background have either left school without qualifications or entered the labour market without vocational training.

This figure highlights the importance of adapting our education system and investing specifically in the development of young people with migrant backgrounds.

The aim is to establish effective support systems that give these young people a genuine opportunity to enter the workforce successfully.

Equal Opportunities for Everyone

Education is a universal key to economic opportunities and social participation.

In a globalised world, we must not only provide children with knowledge but also strengthen their intercultural competence.

Language development is therefore a central component of education. Only those who master the language can actively participate in society and make full use of their opportunities.

Schools must strengthen their cooperation with community organisations, associations and civil society to provide diverse learning opportunities.

It is equally important to establish flexible learning formats that combine classroom teaching with digital education.

In this way, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to the best possible educational opportunities.

Intercultural Competence and Integration

Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is also about cultural and social integration.

To promote integration, we must create spaces where migrants can become familiar with German culture and society.

Participating in shared activities such as community cooking, sports or practical workshops plays an important role in this process.

Such initiatives not only encourage intercultural exchange but also help build a strong sense of community and reduce prejudice.

An essential part of integration is promoting respect for our legal system, democracy and fundamental values such as equality between men and women and tolerance towards all religious beliefs.

Language and integration courses should not only be offered free of charge but should also teach German history and the fundamental principles of democracy.

Equal Opportunities for Women and Work–Life Balance

Another central priority must be the advancement of women in all areas of society.

This includes providing greater support for women in leadership positions and improving their career opportunities through family-friendly professional development programmes.

Having more women in leadership positions not only promotes greater equality but also brings valuable perspectives that enrich society as a whole.

The Right to Asylum and Humanitarian Assistance

The fundamental right to asylum for those facing political persecution, as well as people persecuted because of their sexual identity or religious beliefs, must be fully upheld in Germany.

At the same time, we must find ways to provide temporary protection for refugees fleeing war and support those who wish to return to their home countries once a conflict has ended.

This not only safeguards the fundamental rights of refugees but also contributes to sustainable integration.

Building Social Cohesion Through Education and Integration

My vision for the future is a society in which every individual — regardless of origin, gender or social background — has the opportunity to develop their potential and actively participate in society.

We must strengthen our commitment to the education and integration of children and young people and create the conditions necessary for their successful development.

Only through genuine, inclusive dialogue can we grow together into a strong community in an increasingly diverse and globalised world.

Anastasia Weimer