Review and outlook in the wannseeFORUM
Aline: Baris, you've been on the team three months longer than me – how was your start here at wannseeFORUM?
Baris: My start was actually quite calm, as I began in the summer – a rather relaxed time of year. This gave me plenty of time to prepare. A big thank you to Sophia Kimpel and the entire team at the house, who gave me a very warm welcome and provided thorough training. This allowed me not only to settle into my tasks quickly, but also to participate in events such as the CoE (Council of Europe) meeting, prepare for the Open Monument Day, and conduct tours of the house.
Incidentally, I was already here in 2017 and 2018 as a seminar assistant for Lukas Macher's Easter workshop. Back then, I interpreted for a Turkish group, together with Cenk Arpa, who is now a guest lecturer with us. Even then, I was very impressed by the special atmosphere of the house, its proximity to nature, and its location on Lake Wannsee.
Baris: …since we're on the subject: You were also at wannseeFORUM before your current position – when and how were you here for the first time?
Aline: Yes, I participated in BilderBewegungBerlin in 2011 and 2016, led by Annette Ullrich, once in the short film workshop and once in the analog photography workshop. I was able to maintain many contacts right from my first participation. For me, this demonstrates how effective the wannseeFORUM is as a place for encounters and networking. Our short film from the first BilderBewegungBerlin was even shown at the up-and-coming Film Festival in Hanover. Seeing ourselves on the big screen – that was an unforgettable experience for us.
Having now taken over Annette's position for social issues and political participation is something very special for me, and I benefit greatly from her many years of experience.
Baris: Would you like to tell us something about your position and your field of expertise?
Aline: For me, it's particularly exciting to see how my experience in social work can be combined with methods of political education and media literacy. My background in youth services is very helpful in this regard, especially when it comes to reaching young people who have had little to no contact with the wannseeFORUM and designing the programs to reflect their realities and needs.
Towards the end of the year, I was able to conduct a small seminar with a group from the youth services sector, whom I knew from my previous work. Experiencing how these young people perceived the place, many of them visiting such a waterside location for the first time, was very moving for me. And it has filled me with great anticipation for future projects and encounters.
Aline: What originally led you to this field of work?
Baris: I found my way here through my long-standing connection to the wannseeFORUM and my previous work as a recognition and qualification advisor for people with migration and refugee experience at the Turkish Federation in Berlin-Brandenburg. My work as a diversity trainer, including for the New Israel Fund eV, was also formative. These experiences have come together very well here in the field of political education.
I find working with young people particularly exciting – you learn an incredible amount from them, especially regarding the spirit of the times. They help us reflect on social developments and, in my opinion, are a central pillar of our society.
Aline: What was your first independent project – was there a moment that you particularly remember?
Baris: My start was challenging right from the beginning: The planned German-Israeli exchange with Sapir College had to be canceled at short notice due to airspace warnings. This was followed by many discussions with cooperation partners, funding providers, and the Federal Foreign Office. But we mastered this challenge well and are pleased to be able to conduct the exchange twice this year.
In comparison, organizing my first seminars was almost relaxed – thankfully!
Baris: What projects are you looking forward to in the near future?
Aline: It's definitely going to be exciting! After the professional exchange we had with Holon here at the center, I'm especially excited to be planning my first German-Israeli youth exchange in the summer of 2025. I'm looking forward to the encounters and the direct exchange.
Furthermore, two seminars with cooperation partners from youth services are scheduled for the summer, including one with Gangway and another with a new initiative that is visiting us for the first time. I am looking forward to the educational work and the direct contact with the young people.
Baris: Do you actually have a favorite spot here in the house?
Aline: Yes, the red bench down by the watering hole. I often sit there with my coffee and watch the pair of ducks. For me, it's the nicest place for a short break.
Aline: And finally: If you had to summarize the past year in one sentence – what would it be?
Baris: “A year full of curiosity, experiences and young people with very interesting perspectives!”