This is a qualitative research carried out in a Christian organization known as the African Christian Council of Berlin and Brandenburg (RACIBB) and it is a product of narrative description and explanation of the life experiences’ and perceptions of the informants. The research has used migration and religion trajectories; the two trajectories are deemed appropriate for the study because of the nature of the organization (RACIBB). It is an organization founded by the people and for the people with African migrant backgrounds and at the same time operates as a faith-based organization although not in the manner it serves the people. Migratory movement has often resulted into formation of macrostructures, according to Adogame, macrostructures are the informal social networks developed by the migrants to assist them in adjusting to the migration and settlement e.g. the informal networks can be family or community ties (the community can be religious, cultural, ethnic and social ties). As realised during the study some of these macrostructures are later developed to formal Organizations under the state law of the host country. One of the advantages when founded within the perimeters of the law is that the organization is free to implement its activities and can apply for financial assistance from any funding institution.
Most of the migrant founded organizations like RACIBB are multi-functional by nature depending on the needs of the members hence their functions can be categorised as follows: Ethno-solidarity, Ethno-cultural, Ethno-specific religious and Ethno-specific political Diaspora activities. Ethno-solidarity activities aim at addressing social and integration issues among its members, for example, it provides members with the information about the host country; what is expected of them and what they can do to live comfortably in the host society.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the study
1.1 Objectives of the study
1.2 Research Questions
1.3 Hypotheses for the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 Structure of the study report
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Target Population
3.1 Sample size and sampling Techniques
3.2 Data Collection methods
3.3 Data Collection Procedures
3.4 Data Analysis Techniques
3.5 Ethical Considerations
3.6 Challenges of the Research
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
4.0 Brief history of Africans in Berlin
4.1 The current-general situation of Africans in Berlin
4.2 The foundation of the Council (RACIBB)
4.3 Reasons for the foundation of the council
4.4 Membership of the council
4.5 Motivation of the members to join the RACIBB
4.6 The projects and activities of the council within Berlin-Brandenburg
4.7 Partnering and Networking in RACIBB
4.8 The challenges of the council
4.9 The future plans of the council
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION
REFERENCE
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the role, historical foundation, and challenges of the African Christian Council of Berlin and Brandenburg (RACIBB). The research explores how this umbrella organization serves as a platform for addressing the social, cultural, and religious needs of the African migrant community, while navigating the complexities of integration in a German context.
- The historical development and emergence of migrant-led organizations in Berlin.
- Social and cultural challenges faced by African migrants, including language barriers and employment discrimination.
- The function of faith-based organizations in bridging the gap between migrant communities and the host society.
- Networking strategies between African migrant churches and mainstream German institutions.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1 The current-general situation of Africans in Berlin
Although some few Africans have made it in Berlin-Brandenburg to become medical doctors, entrepreneurs, managers or professors, many of them are still struggling to live their dreams. A human activists and a founder of an organization in Berlin believes that the life of African people have not changed much in comparison to the life of Africans in the 1940s, the only thing that have changed significantly is their number which has steadily increased.39
Among the several groups of migrants living in Berlin and Brandenburg, Africans are the most economically disadvantaged group and because of this, most of them are faced with negative prejudices. They are perceived as people who are in the society (Berlin-Brandenburg) only to benefit from the social services and have nothing in return to offer to the host society.40 In agreement with Adogame, most African migrants are at the receiving end of the public frustrations and animosity due to high unemployment rate and unstable economic growth in many parts of Europe.41
Many of the problems of any minority group in Europe revolve around social and educational inequalities, lack of language skills, racism, questions of integration, isolation and assimilation, lack of representation within the institutions in charge of making migrants decisions and policies.42
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides the foundational background, research objectives, and the significance of studying the African Christian Council in Berlin and Brandenburg.
CHAPTER TWO: Reviews existing academic literature concerning African Diaspora communities, migration trajectories, and the role of Pentecostalism in Europe.
CHAPTER THREE: Details the research methodology, including the use of in-depth interviews, participant observation, and target population criteria.
CHAPTER FOUR: Presents and interprets data regarding the history, foundation, membership, and collaborative challenges of the council within the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
CHAPTER FIVE: Concludes the study by highlighting the necessity for migrant organizations to move beyond spiritual mandates toward social and political empowerment.
Keywords
African Diaspora, Berlin, RACIBB, Migration, Integration, Pentecostalism, Christian Council, Social Inclusion, Cultural Identity, Intercultural Dialogue, Networking, Migrant Organizations, Employment, Racism, Faith-based Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the African Christian Council of Berlin and Brandenburg (RACIBB), analyzing how it functions as an umbrella organization to address the diverse needs of African migrants.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers migration, the role of religious institutions, cultural identity preservation, social integration, and the impact of systemic discrimination in Germany.
What is the main goal of the thesis?
The goal is to understand the historical foundation of RACIBB, the specific challenges it faces, and its role in mediating between the African migrant community and the wider German society.
Which research methodology was utilized?
The research employed a qualitative methodology, primarily using in-depth interviews, participant observation, non-participant observation, and questionnaires to collect data from stakeholders.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body examines the history of Africans in Berlin, the foundation and internal structure of the council, the challenges of integration (employment, language), and networking strategies with partner organizations.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include African Diaspora, Berlin, RACIBB, Integration, Faith-based organizations, and Intercultural dialogue.
Why did the council shift its status to a registered association (e.V.)?
The council shifted its status to qualify for state funding, as purely religious institutions face limitations when applying for government support under German Civil Code regulations.
How does the "big brother syndrome" affect the council?
It describes a power imbalance where well-established German organizations treat migrant organizations as unequal partners, often assigning them minor roles and creating a dependency that hampers authentic, equal collaboration.
- Quote paper
- Vincent Pascal Gucha (Author), 2014, An Initiative of the African Christians in Berlin and Brandenburg, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283148
