In Germany, a single-sex summer camp sparks heated controversy

On its website, the structure promises holidays far from racism and small daily aggressions. In Germany, the organizer of holiday camps intended only for black children is the target of threats and hate messages on social networks. For him, it’s about offering stays where for once, the color of their skin is irrelevant. Stays in a protected group, composed exclusively of young people and black leaders.

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Since their launch five years ago, these summer camps have never bothered anyone but their media coverage, after an interview with the organizer in the magazine Der Spiegel at the end of May, sparked a controversy on social networks.

“Many people feel encouraged to say things that have long been taboo”

Internet users draw a parallel with Apartheid in South Africa or, more generally, racial segregation. Often offensive comments condemned by Robert Lüdecke, spokesperson for the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, which fights against racism and anti-Semitism. “With the rise of the far right, many people feel encouraged to say things that have long been taboo. We also hear this kind of remark in the Bundestag, on TV sets, in the media”, he regrets.

“In Germany we still have a very big problem with racism. These holiday camps are necessary.”

Robert Lüdecke

at franceinfo

“It’s a recognized pedagogical concept, they must exist and this kind of reaction only confirms their usefulness”, continues Robert Lüdecke. After this surge of threats, the organizer has reinforced its security measures and is careful not to make the places of the stays public.

Last month, students at a school in Berlin, mostly with an immigrant background, were the target of racist insults and threats during a green class organized near the capital.