Colette Boateng, a South-North volunteer from Togo working at the Bremen Mission office, describes two programmes offered by a church community in Bremen.

During my volunteer year here in Germany, I had the opportunity from October to January to get to know two inspiring programmes offered by the St. Remberti congregation in Bremen: Café Remberti and Café International. For many people who, like me, come from abroad, life in Germany can feel unfamiliar. In countries such as Togo, several generations often still live together within an extended family and maintain close relationships. In Germany, however, many people tend to lead a more individualistic lifestyle. People often live alone, even at an advanced age. Visits usually take place by prior arrangement, and spontaneous encounters with neighbours or friends are less common than in family-centred societies with strong social networks.

To give members of the community the opportunity to meet regularly and feel less alone, the St. Remberti congregation established Café Remberti, which takes place every Tuesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The café invites people to meet, chat, and spend time together. This afternoon gathering offers older adults in particular the chance to make connections, exchange experiences, and strengthen community ties. It is an intergenerational initiative open to all age groups within the congregation. Usually, the older participants arrive first, followed later by parents and children from the church choirs.
Café International, a language and community meeting held every Thursday from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., focuses on supporting Syrian nationals. Participants receive help with learning German, exploring the culture, and building social networks. In the language café, they can form friendships, practise German, and integrate into the community. There is also the opportunity to meet people of other nationalities.

So, if you live in Bremen and feel lonely as a senior citizen, or if you would simply like to meet new people, exchange ideas, and share your experiences (for example by offering German language support, listening to life stories, or providing practical assistance), these two valuable initiatives of the St. Remberti congregation are open to you.