Volunteer hero: Volker Eschke receives the 2025 Integration Prize!

Volunteer hero: Volker Eschke receives the 2025 Integration Prize!

On October 2, 2025, the Integration Prize for the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district was awarded, an award that recognizes the commitment to the participation of people with a migration history. This happened under the patronage of district mayor Jörn Oltmann and district councilor Stefan Böltes. The 2025 Integration Prize went to Mr. Volker Eschke, who was honored for his services as a volunteer consultant at BEMA (Berlin Advisory Center for Migration and Good Work). Oltmann emphasized that after reaching retirement age, Eschke is actively using his knowledge of social and labor law to support immigrants and mobile workers. This assistance primarily includes the enforcement of their rights.

The integration prize was awarded in a context that called on associations, initiatives and individuals to submit their proposals to promote integration. The deadline for nominations was September 9, 2025. The award-winning projects should serve the goal of implementing integrative measures with a major and lasting impact and acting in an exemplary manner, which was evaluated by an independent jury. The prize money was 2,000 euros and was awarded on the basis of originality and party-political neutrality, which were crucial for the award of the prize. Nominations could be sent to the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district office both by post and by email, as gemeinsam-in-tempelhof-schoeneberg.de informed.

Commitment of migrant organizations

There are around 15,000 registered migrant organizations in Germany, which were originally meeting points for advice and support. These organizations have now developed into diverse bases that advocate for the interests of people with immigration and refugee histories. The integration of these people is significantly promoted by the work of migrant organizations, not only through the preservation of linguistic and cultural traditions, but also through their involvement in various integration projects.

Through socio-political processes and networking, these organizations make an important contribution to the participation of migrants. Projects to help refugees, combating racism and supporting people with disabilities are among their core tasks. The Federal Ministry of the Interior actively supports these organizations in establishing full-time structures and promotes exchange across six areas throughout Germany. The Integration Officer made a significant contribution to this.

These initiatives illustrate how important voluntary work, like that of Volker Eschke, is for integration and social cohesion in our society. Receiving the Integration Prize is not only recognition for the individual, but also a strong signal for community coexistence in the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district.