In a small German town near Stuttgart, there is an unassuming project that spans two buildings along a peaceful street. In a low-rise apartment building, there reside around ten young men in their twenties who have come to Germany from Africa and the Middle East. Downstairs, in the office and classroom spaces, the project’s German “parents,” the adults working with the Saatkorn project, are present during the day.
The second building is the workplace for the residents, known as Kornhaus. Here, a small pasta factory operates alongside a lunch café where immigrants naturally interact with locals, use the German language, and integrate into life and work in their new homeland.
The Saatkorn project was initiated by Christian influencers, some of whom have experienced firsthand what it’s like to come from an African Muslim country to a Christian and orderly Germany and start a life there. In just a few years, this small initiative has proven to be an excellent way to integrate young newcomers into Germany.
Behind the scenes of everyday life, the residents of the Saatkorn project receive housing, education, social services, and mentorship. With the guidance of responsible adults, they learn to live harmoniously despite different religions, cultural codes, and the nuances of appropriate behavior. The project is supported by a group of entrepreneurs who benefit from having these residents as valuable interns in their companies, thereby ensuring a more supportive future for them in Germany.
In the documentary “Not Yet Here,” voices are given to those who have come to Germany from elsewhere, sharing their experiences. The adults involved in the Saatkorn project also reflect on the broader picture of immigration and the various factors contributing to this challenging phenomenon in European countries. They have witnessed that, even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to build something new and meaningful through the right means.
Documentary information
- Name: Not Yet Here
- Directing: Ruut Ahonen
- Interviewees: Dr. Monika Klotz, Dr. Yassir Eric, Birgit Dürrstein, Amari and Wian
- Length: 25 minutes
- Language: English
- Publishing: November 2023
- Producer: Mika Ahonen
- Production: Hurttimurtti
