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GERMANY IS SHOWING ITS
COLOURS.
JOIN IN!

With the aim of thanking refugees for their commitment and breaking down prejudices, State Secretary Sawsan Chebli initiated the #FARBENBEKENNEN campaign at the Senate Chancellery in 2017. In 2018, the #FARBENBEKENNEN award was presented for the first time - for initiatives promoting peaceful co-existence in our society. In 2019, refugees were decorated for encouraging and inspiring others with their "founding spirit".

The #FARBENBEKENNEN award is jointly implemented by the Berlin Senate Chancellery and the Berlin Partner organisation. 

On this page, we invite you to get to know the inspiring people, stories and projects behind #FARBENBEKENNEN.

ENRICHING GERMANY

To me, the #FARBENBEKENNEN award is more than simply an award – it sends out an important message. One saying that we should stop thinking of people who have come to us as refugees as "others" or "strangers". They are people who belong to us, people who, although they have little themselves, work for others and contribute to a better life together. They bring in entirely new perspectives, ideas and impulses and enrich our country as a result. Right now, in the days of the Corona virus, we are again witnessing hatred and agitation being stirred up against them and it is up to each and every one of us to help refugees find a new home here. 

 

 

SAWSAN CHEBLI
State of Berlin Delegate to the Federation, Permanent Secretary for Active Citizenship and International Relations 
   

INITIATIVES - ARCHIVE

Learn more about the projects undertaken by previous winners and nominees for the #FARBENBEKENNEN award.  

 

Initiatives

SHOWING COLOURS TOGETHER FOR BERLIN

We are proud of our colourful metropolis Berlin, where we are working together on the basis of freedom and democracy to promote a strong and diverse society and a true sense of community. That effort calls for every one of us to do our part: both those who have lived here for years and those who have just arrived. The more we know about the success stories of individual refugees, the more obvious it becomes that there are no irreconcilable differences between us.  


Let’s counter those who claim otherwise, those who would divide and marginalize. With mutual respect, frequent encounters, and constant dialogue, let’s show our colors and stand up for a successful community in Berlin. To that aim, this award sends an unmistakable message that refugees are recognized and appreciated.   

 

MICHAEL MÜLLER 
Governing Mayor
  

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