Intercultural Week

Intercultural week with a colourful and varied programme

Intercultural Week is taking place in Bocholt from 19 to 26 September. The programme includes a total of 12 events organised by many different organisations. "It is particularly important to us that there are always several cultural associations and organisations working together to put on something for the people of Bocholt", says Bruno Wansing from the organisation team, which also includes Caroline Blenker, Fatma Boland and Ulrik Störzer.

Intercultural Weeks have been held in Germany at the end of September since 1975. Over 600 cities and municipalities now take part in this initiative. Bocholt has been a regular participant since 2014. This year, there is a compact programme in the week from 19 to 26 September.

Motto: "DAFOR"

"It is a colourful and varied offer that we have put together in several meetings with cultural associations and organisations in Bocholt", reports Caroline Blenker from the Caritas Association Bocholt. Together with the Integration Office of the City of Bocholt, the Bocholt Family Education Centre (FABI), the Bocholt-Rhede-Isselburg Adult Education Centre and other associations, schools and initiatives, the Caritas Association is the organiser and host of this intercultural week, which this year, to mark the 50th anniversary of the IKW, is being held under the new motto "FOR".

Trio of patrons

"This motto can be understood in many different ways", says the new trio of patrons of Intercultural Week 2024, consisting of Selma Zorlu, Yonca Bayluk-Zorlu and Björn Volmering.

"Bocholt stands for diversity and a strong democracy", emphasises Yonca Bayluk Zorlu. Diversity is the motor of our democracy. It does not want to be endured, but actively shaped and promoted. With the Intercultural Week in Bocholt, we create spaces for this - for dialogue, encounters, the reduction of prejudices, for mutual understanding and the fun we have together.

"Bocholt stands for this, for an open society", adds Selma Zorlu. People should participate on an equal footing - regardless of origin and faith. With the Intercultural Week in Bocholt, we are sending out a strong signal against discrimination and all forms of group-based misanthropy. We stand up for human rights and the humane treatment of all those who come to us and live peacefully with us.

"Bocholt stands for this, for solidarity and cohesion", says Björn Volmering, number three in the trio. "With the Intercultural Week in Bocholt, we are calling for courageous commitment in order to understand and tackle the upcoming challenges together. Rarely has solidarity been more important than right now. And nothing strengthens our society like our solidarity and mutual support!