Kulturelle Vielfalt und Integration im Roman «Zafira, ein Mädchen aus Syrien» von Ursel Scheffler

Although intercultural learning can be seen as a natural answer to the modern multicultural society, the topic of “the other” / “the foreigner” is becoming more relevant in connection with the 2015 refugee wave in Germany. According to UNICEF estimates, Germany took in more than 300,000 Syrian refugee children that year alone, most of whom were later divided into regular classes in various federal states. The coexistence of different cultures in the classroom is a challenge for teachers and children in the host community as well as refugee children. Multicultural and problem-oriented children's literature can be used to address this new situation in the classroom. Cultural alienation, war, and escape have been addressed in many contemporary works by famous children's book authors and told in a simple way for children. Literary impressions enable you to expand your own perspective on the world and learn to interpret it in a multifaceted way. Literature helps young recipients orient themselves better in culturally heterogeneous everyday life. By reading books, children can discover the world from different angles. Literary works stimulate their imaginations and support recipients in developing empathy. Books of children's literature on this topic are sometimes available in stores. They contain many suggestions for teachers on how to deepen the said motivation with exercises and activities. It is important to choose such readings carefully. Prejudice and racism are the “worst enemies” of integration.