Living together in diversity in Pforzheim

Two young men told their stories in a film from the series "It's all in the mix", which was presented on 5 May 2024 at the Kommunales Kino (KoKi): Naieb Hakimi (22) from Afghanistan and Robert Rad (24) from Romania.

"Germany is a country of makers"

Naieb Hakimi came from Afghanistan two and a half years ago. After graduating from high school and studying law for two semesters, he took the risk of fleeing due to the tense political situation. He left his home country alone and on foot. Why did he want to go to Germany? For Naieb, Germany is a "doer's country" where he hopes to realise his goals.

Once he arrived in Pforzheim, Naieb first set about learning the German language. He is currently completing an entry-level qualification at Witzenmann with the aim of starting an apprenticeship there in the autumn. Despite all the challenges, he feels very grateful and happy to have been given a new opportunity here.

His thoughts are often with his family, especially his little sister, who still lives in Afghanistan. As a young woman, she is particularly affected by the current situation there. Although she has a school-leaving certificate and wanted to train in the medical field, as a woman she is currently not even allowed to leave the house without a male escort. One of Naieb's main concerns is to bring his sister to Germany so that she can live here in safety and start an education.

"I like being in Pforzheim"

Robert Rad came to Pforzheim from his home country of Romania as a carer. Although his training has not yet been recognised, he is already working as a carer at the clinic in Hirsau. He shares a flat with his brother in Brötzingen. He is currently investing time and energy in another language course to improve his German to level B2.

In his spare time, Robert likes cooking vegan dishes, also for his friends of different nationalities, whom he met at the language course. The film shows him shopping at the weekly market in Pforzheim, where he usually buys fresh fruit and vegetables and supports the local traders. In the almost one and a half years that he has lived in Pforzheim, he has learnt to appreciate the city. "I feel very much at home here in Pforzheim, I like being in the city and in nature, especially by the river," he says in the film.

"Valuable stories of successful integration"

In the panel discussion after the film premiere, Naieb and Robert discussed the film's themes in greater depth with the city's integration officer, Anita Gondek, Mirzeta Haug, who heads the "It's the mix that makes the difference" project, and Koki boss Christine Müh.

The film also marks the end of the project "Living together in diversity. Examples of successful integration in Pforzheim", for which the filmmakers Ana Kugli and Sebastian Seibel had created an accompanying exhibition in the town hall pavilion in spring. Integration officer Anita Gondek emphasised the strong motivation and initiative of the two protagonists: "These are valuable stories that should be told. Naieb Hakimi in particular, who faces different challenges with his Afghan origin than Robert Rad from Romania, also emphasised the patience required when working with the immigration authorities. In this context, Koki boss Müh expressed the desire for reliable capacities there, while Anita Gondek referred to the existing efforts in integration and also appealed for understanding: "The tasks are really enormous." Naieb Hakimi, who would soon like to start his apprenticeship at Witzenmann, was pragmatic and determined, ready to take all the other hurdles for a life in Germany after 16 months of fleeing and arriving in Pforzheim. The driving licence test in a fortnight' time will be the easiest. Robert Rad is looking ahead, still wants to study and is certain: "I want to stay in Germany."

Ana Kugli and Sebastian Seibel from the media agency ton-bild-schau in Pforzheim made this film. This event was sponsored by the integration officer of the city of Pforzheim.