Kim-Speech Cafe fosters language acquisition and cultural interactions
The KIM Language Café, hosted by the Municipal Integration Management of Lünen, has become a popular gathering for language enthusiasts. Held every Wednesday from 4:30 PM to 6 PM at 'Mitmach.RAUM' (Marktstraße 2a), the café offers a unique space for individuals waiting for a language course or those wishing to consolidate their current knowledge.
Organised by Hares Kohestani, a Germanist and employee of the Municipal Integration Management, the café addresses everyday topics, grammar questions, and integration-specific contents like life in Germany or political structures. The sessions are designed to be flexible, responding to the needs of the participants, and there's no fixed curriculum.
Hares Kohestani emphasises the social aspect of language acquisition, stating that it should not be underestimated. Quoting philosopher Xunzi, he says, "Learning is like rowing against the current. Once you stop, you drift back." This sentiment is echoed by the participants, who appreciate the café as a space to improve language skills without the pressure and exams often associated with formal language courses.
Two participants of the KIM Language Café have already obtained an A2 language certificate from different providers, demonstrating the effectiveness of the café's approach. One participant, a mother of two, is gradually gaining confidence to speak German in the familiar setting, with her children often joining her, who already possess good language skills.
The KIM Language Café is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Family, Equality, Flight and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKJFGFI), as well as from funds of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) of the European Union. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) also supports the funding of the café in Lünen.
A unique feature of the KIM Language Café is its close link to the consultancy work of the Municipal Integration Management. Participants can seek support for everyday and administrative questions, making the café not only a place for language practice but also a valuable resource for integration.
On August 28, 2025, the KIM Language Café will host another session, welcoming new and returning participants. The children of the participants also benefit from the language practice, as they are often present during the sessions. The KIM Language Café continues to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for language learners and integrates into the daily lives of its participants.
