International Office Awards »Ima Rek« Student Group with Special Prize for Their Commitment to Ukrainian Refugees
During the nomination process for the 2023 DAAD Prize, the attention of the International Office was brought to a group of international students who are helping refugees from Ukraine in Weimar. The group has been awarded a special prize recognising their dedication. The award includes a cash prize of 1000 euros.
The »Ima Rek« is a student group made up of volunteers who have been actively providing support for Ukrainian refugees in Weimar since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In addition to volunteering to help with translation and other practical matters, the group has also been working to make the experiences and stories of the Ukrainian community clear to the public.
In November 2022, they organized the »Yarmarok« exhibition with the help of the »Fachdienstes für Migration und Integration des AWO Regionalverbandes Mitte-West-Thüringen e.V.« and the »Jugendforum 2022«. The exhibition included stories of escape and several evenings were dedicated to Ukrainian culture with stalls and artists showcasing handicrafts.
In February 2023, the group organised the »RIK« conference, together with help from Artur Meyer, the Klassik Stiftung Weimar and the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. The conference provided factual information about the political and social situation both in Ukraine and in Germany.
An exhibition held in October 2023 highlighted the personal successes of Ukrainians, their commitment to the community and the strength and resilience they have been demonstrating every day. The event organisers were supported by the »23:ideas« grant from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and The Other Music Academy.
At the award ceremony, »Ima Rek« expressed their gratitude to the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar not only for the award, but also for the support they have received so far and the opportunity to create safe and welcoming spaces for exchange where the Ukrainian community and Weimar's citizens can come together. The prize money will be divided equally between the active members of the group.
Further information on the projects and the group itself can be found at: https://www.imarekstories.com/
For further information, please contact Christian Kästner, International Office, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, by phone at +49 (0) 36 43/58 23 64, or by e-mail at christian.kaestner[at]uni-weimar.de.