A Surprise Hit to the Heart of Prenzlauer Berg's Community
"Prenzlauer Berg's 'La Bohème': A Melting Pot for People of All Generations"
Get the lowdown on Berlin with Muckefuck, our no-frills morning newsletter. We're in the thick of it, covering decisions that shape city politics and keeping a close eye on those they impact most. With an unfiltered, left-leaning approach, we're your go-to for staying informed about the city's hot topics. Sign up now and stay on top of the conversations that matter.
On the grim Labor Day, "La Bohème", an intergenerational community center in Prenzlauer Berg, received a distressing message: The job center had abruptly cut off state funding. For about a year, four jobseekers were placed at the center through the job center's "work opportunity" program. The association assisted with job searches, and in return, compensation was provided to cover half of the project's cost.
According to the "Berliner Morgenpost", the job center revoked funding due to an average occupancy rate of less than 80% and concerns over insufficient occupancy by 2025. The agency also highlighted findings of inadequate integration of participants into the regular job market. A spokesperson told the "Berliner Morgenpost" that job centers focus on supporting individuals in the labor market, rather than promoting social structures for which other funding bodies exist.
For years, many individuals who found work through "La Bohème" struggled to secure employment elsewhere, as stated by project operators Uschi and Angelika. This varied group included single mothers, mentally ill individuals, and the elderly. "How are you supposed to find jobs on the regular market if you have two young children and can only work mornings?" Uschi questioned.
The center stands as a sanctuary for the neighborhood, hosting events with East German celebrities like journalist Marion Brasch, actor Milan Peschel, and opera singer Winnie Böwe. It has preserved a piece of DDR history while fostering camaraderie, offering a variety of activities such as chess on Mondays and tango on Wednesdays. During the pandemic, it established free neighborhood support services like a helpline and grocery assistance.
Set apart by its anti-commercial nature, "La Bohème" coexists with a spa for infant floating and a nail studio that offers financial advice. Its welcoming environment makes it aptly nicknamed "the living room" by Uschi and Angelika. The duo stresses that it's a place focused on community and social interactions. Its name, Freundeskreis Tina Modotti e.V., honoring the Italian communist, perfectly encapsulates its spirit.
The local community, echoed by green district councilors Paul Schlüter and Heike Schmidt, are fighting diligently to save the community project. They have proposed an application to the Social Affairs Committee on June 3rd to secure its future. "We'll pull out all the stops to save 'La Bohème'," Schmidt pledged. "In this era of social division, we need places that unite people - regardless of age, background, or social status," Schmidt added, emphasizing the importance of such spaces.
In light of the center's predicament, let's hope for its continued existence, as it remains an integral part of Prenzlauer Berg's diverse community. If you'd like to contribute to saving "La Bohème", donations can be made to the Tina Modotti Archive Friendship Circle e.V. IBAN: DE49 1001 0010 0001 0751 09 BIC: PBNKDEFFXXX.
In the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, the community center "La Bohème" is struggling to maintain its home-and-garden lifestyle, with funding cuts from the job center affecting its operations. The local community, along with green district councilors Paul Schlueter and Heike Schmidt, have launched a fight to save this unique space, which serves as a living room for residents and preserves a piece of DDR history, offering social interactions and activities.
