The Syrian, Mohammed Bakr, has lived in Hamm since 2015. Since then he has been actively using the library's range of intercultural services – first for language learning, now for his professional training. He has even organised a group for refugees to practice speaking German together.
My name is Mohammed Bakr, but my friends just call me Mo. I am 29 years old and I come from the north of Syria, from the town of Kobane. There was a big library in Kobane, which I actually did not go to often. It was not until later, when I was studying mechanical engineering in Aleppo that I used the library as a place to study and research.
Today Mo Bakr speaks German really well. Study programs for learning German on a computer really helped him. | Photo (detail): © Mohammed Bakr
I have lived in Hamm / Westphalia since 2015 and I started going to the library right from the start to learn the language. They have everything for learning German: teaching materials, programs, computers and books.
In the summer of 2015, we organised a summer party in collaboration with Hamm’s refugee aid agency (Flüchtlingshilfe Hamm e.V.). There I met the then head of the library. Together we hit upon the idea of providing refugees with an opportunity to speak German. “Meet & Talk” brings refugees and the people of Hamm together and gets them talking. He offered us meeting rooms free of charge, which are centrally located for everyone and are easily accessible. By attending the “Meet & Talk” sessions, I was able to begin a nine-month internship in the library in March 2016. I prepared and supervised the group meetings and translated flyers into Arabic and Kurdish.
For Mo Bakr, intercultural library work means above all access to information. | Photo (detail): © Mohammed Bakr
My tasks also included sorting Arabic books into the appropriate categories, organising a reading corner in a refugee hostel and interpreting for Arab or Kurdish clients. I have offered these clients a tour of the library so they can get to know the lay-out of the building and where to find what they are looking for.
The internship in the library helped a lot with my integration in German society. By coming into daily contact with Germans, my language improved quickly. I supported my colleagues in their various work processes and found out more about German culture. I was often able to borrow books and dictionaries.
Today Mo Bakr mostly borrows novels and specialised literature. | Photo (detail): © Mohammed Bakr
My favourite place is on the second floor, there are seats and the atmosphere is quiet. I really enjoy being there. The Reading Café is very cosy, as you can have a coffee while reading.
A cosy atmosphere for studying at the desks on the second floor | Photo (detail): © Mohammed Bakr
This year, I began a training course at Hamm’s city college to become an IT specialist. I still use the library for my course research. I meet there with my course colleagues to study with them. In the meantime, I have now started to take out textbooks and novels in German. And, just as before, I still supervise the “Meet & Talk” group. We meet informally twice a week in the library over coffee and biscuits, discuss topics such as Easter customs or Christmas, play “Taboo” or “Ludo”. Every now and then we go out for the day to the zoo, the museum or the carnival parade.
The Hamm Central Library has a good range of media for learning German. | Photo (detail): © Mohammed Bakr
For me, intercultural library work means above all access to information: via the Internet, books, CDs, etc. Joining a library is an ideal thing to do, especially if you are trying to learn the German language. I have, however, also been to a Kurdish evening at the library, with music and readings. There was also a cultural night with a Harry Potter theme that was pretty cool. I'm very happy with the library, what it has to offer, and the fact that it is such a nice place with such nice people.
When Mo Bakr walks into the library, he likes to say hello to his former colleagues. They really helped him when he was doing his internship there. | Photo (detail): © Mohammed Bakr
