Children’s intercultural education in Germany (the case of the activities of Familienzentrum Lebenshilfe Elmshorn day care centres)

The article contains considerations on intercultural education in Germany based on the example of Familienzentrum Lebenshilfe Elmshorn day care centres. Against the background of these considerations and referring to the thesis that early intercultural education provides an opportunity to develop lasting competences in the field of broadly understood coexistence, the German concern for intercultural education, care, help and support is presented. The Federal Assisted Living Association in the district of Pinneberg offers initiatives in this area through six integrated day care centres in Elmshorn, Pinneberg, Appen-Etz and Wedel. On the basis of the analysis of the activities undertaken in the city of Elmhorn and in day care centres, integration activities are shown – the ones that take place both in an intercultural perspective and in the family space. The article emphasizes that early intercultural education broadens thinking about education, understanding that a child is a learning entity striving for self-fulfillment, developing their own strength and possibilities in the process of “dialogue” with an adult. Early cultural education is also a path to peaceful coexistence based on mutual knowledge and understanding.