Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Herten – Focus February 2026

Social Integration and Language Support – Herten's Active Strategies

The city of Herten has increasingly committed itself in recent years to promoting the social inclusion and integration of residents from diverse backgrounds. In February 2026, this work continued, with two central projects and strategic planning taking center stage: the city's integration strategy and the language-support project „AlphaStarter“.

Integration Strategy as a Central Strategic Foundation

The development of a comprehensive integration strategy marks a milestone in Herten's integration policy. In several committees in February 2026, the approach and objectives of the strategy were clarified in detail. The strategy will focus on four key areas of action: Language & Education, Economy & Employment, Culture, and Social & Religious Inclusion as well as Social Participation.

Each of these areas will be equipped with overarching and specific goals, concrete measures, and indicators to make progress measurable. The city of Herten plans a launch event on March 25, 2026, at the Glashaus, where scientists, politicians, representatives of civil society, and other relevant stakeholders will be invited. The approach is agile, meaning the strategy will remain flexible and adaptable to social and demographic developments.

AlphaStarter: Integration Through Literacy

Another central project discussed in the committees is „AlphaStarter“. This project supports newly arrived secondary level I students in Herten in learning the Latin alphabet and spoken language. The goal is to improve their participation in regular classes and thus strengthen their integration into the education system and society.

The classes are conducted by the Herten Adult Education Center (Volkshochschule) in cooperation with schools and the Ruhr-University Bochum. Two experienced teachers in the field of German as a Second Language lead the project, supported by student teachers. Currently, 17 students are participating in the project, with the number of supported youth steadily increasing.

„AlphaStarter“ is funded by ESF funds (European Social Fund) and by the Herten-based foundation „Die Zukunftswerker“, which also supports an associated advisory and coaching system. A further project complements „AlphaStarter“ by establishing a system for better integration of newly arrived students into secondary schools, thus strengthening long-term educational prospects.

Organizational Foundations for the Committees

In February 2026, the organizational foundations for the committees on Equal Opportunities and Integration as well as for Social Affairs, Employment, Equality, and Inclusion were also established. In both committees, secretaries and deputy secretaries were appointed to structure the work and ensure the documentation of decisions.

These organizational measures are essential to ensure that committee work is transparent and efficient. They also reflect the city of Herten's seriousness in addressing social and integrative issues in a sustainable manner.

Moving Forward Toward a More Inclusive Herten

The February 2026 decisions show that Herten is on the right path to actively addressing social and integrative challenges. With projects like „AlphaStarter“ and the development of an integration strategy, the city is not only aiming for short-term successes but also pursuing a long-term, participatory strategy. The agenda is clear: strengthen social participation, manage demographic challenges, and promote social cohesion in the city.