Integration

Integration – Diversity as an Opportunity

Integration in schools means actively involving children and young people with an immigrant background in school life—linguistically, culturally, and socially. The goal is to create equal educational opportunities for everyone.

What that Goal is?

All students should be able to learn successfully and participate in school life, regardless of their background, language, or immigration status. Integration promotes a sense of belonging, equal opportunity, and social cohesion.

How that Does it work?

  • Language support: targeted programs before and during school—e.g., through preparatory courses, language support groups, or DaZ classes (German as a Second Language)

  • International support classes: for newly arrived children and adolescents as an introduction to the German school system

  • Intercultural education: Topics such as diversity, tolerance, and democracy are addressed in the classroom

  • Social integration: through joint projects, clubs, field trips, and mentoring programs

  • Individualized support: tailored to the children’s learning level and life circumstances

Supporting transitions

The transition from the preparatory class to regular classes or from school to vocational training is supported on an individual basis—through counseling, language assessments, and close collaboration between the school, parents, and specialized agencies.

Parental involvement as the key

Parents with an immigrant background are actively involved through multilingual information, parent cafés, interpretation services, and intercultural parent engagement. Schools create spaces for interaction and exchange.

Real-world example

A child who has only recently moved to Germany initially attends an international class. At the same time, the child receives language support and participates in sports and music programs. After one year, the child gradually transitions into the regular classroom.

Who provides support?

  • Teachers with intercultural competence

  • School social workers and language support specialists

  • Bochum Municipal Integration Center

  • Youth services, volunteers, and migrant self-help organizations

Integration is part of the educational mission in North Rhine-Westphalia. Schools are required to take individual needs into account and provide targeted support (Section 1 of the North Rhine-Westphalia School Act).

Social Perspective

School is a key setting for integration. Here, children learn not only to read and write, but also respect, participation, and how to live together in a diverse society. Integration succeeds when everyone plays a part—schools, families, and society.

Learn more

The Bochum Municipal Integration Center, the Bochum School District Office, and the Arnsberg District Government provide information, resources, and guidance on school integration.