After the arguments in the Steyregg case, the Federal Healthcare Agency is launching a new campaign: refugees must receive additional training from the emergency services and be motivated to integrate. A first step that has already received broad approval.
There was disbelief and paralysis after the riots shortly before New Year’s Eve last year in Steyregg, Upper Austria. The fire brigade’s firefighting operation in an asylum seeker’s home escalated completely when volunteers were harassed and insulted. This was also preceded by a large number of false alarms, which naturally angered the volunteer firefighters and further heated the mood.
After the scandal, the Federal Care Agency (BBU), as the operator of such refugee homes, opted for a new approach to prevent such incidents in the future: twelve asylum seekers were invited to visit the Latschach volunteer fire brigade in Finkenstein am Faaker See. (kn.).
In early May, participants were given a tour of the armory, where they could view the fire trucks and all equipment. This was followed by a lecture about local volunteer work. The focus was on dealing with fires and the challenges they bring.
As part of a discussion group, the young people were then able to ask burning questions and find out more details about fire service work. Abraham Hailu Berha (17) from Ethiopia says enthusiastically: “I was very impressed by how everyone here works together to prevent disasters and help society. I hope that one day I can contribute here.”
Get help and minimize the dangers
Serving others is of course only possible with the correct knowledge of German and a residence permit. After all, in an emergency situation, the necessary knowledge is required and the handles and commands must be correct.
For mayor Christian Poglitsch and fire chief Jürgen Nessmann, this project is still a nice statement of intent: “Everyone is welcome in the fire brigade. As soon as you walk through the door here, we are all the same – no matter where we come from. We are proud of our volunteer work and want to show everyone what we do here,” says Nessmann. A concept that refugee coordinator Andreas Achrainer can now think of for the whole of Austria.
Support also comes from the Federal Fire Brigade Association. President Robert Mayer says: “Minimizing any dangers or even rejection through increasing awareness and prevention is certainly the right way to go. Finkenstein and Latschach are a start.”
Great role model for future integration
More than 4,300 kilometers – that is exactly how much distance there is between Burkina Faso and Austria. Salfo Nikiema was born and raised in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. However, the 36-year-old has lived in Waidhofen an der Thaya, a quiet district capital in the Waldviertel in Lower Austria, for twenty years. He now not only feels at home there, but also as an integral part of society. In short: he is now a “real Waldviertler with African roots”.
The former immigrant quickly gained insight into the local culture, especially through the fire service. The bank employee involved and his family have now become more than a full-fledged member of the community and even an active local politician.
“My childhood in Africa was very difficult and characterized by work. I came to Austria at the age of 16 for important medical treatment; here the doctors saved my life. Now of course I want to give something meaningful back to this country. It is clear to me that as a migrant or refugee you often have to overcome major challenges. At the same time, there are also opportunities that my family and I would like to take advantage of,” Nikiema explains in an interview with “Krone”.
From his point of view, openly approaching the often reserved locals and learning the language is the best way to achieve long-term success.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
