This is an artwork I made about the refugee crisis. The refugees and some Germans want to unite, but it isn’t really possible because there is so much racism (fire, thunder, and lightning symbolize racism in the collage) in Germany these days. It is hard for the refugees to be fully integrated into society because there are so many people who won’t accept them. People don’t understand that the refugees had no other choice than to flee from war and destruction, and they also don’t understand that Germany is such a rich country that the refugees won’t take anything like money away from the people. I also want to criticize people who tolerate refugees but who don’t help them. Integration will only succeed when both sides are willing to help each other and are willing to stand up for each other against racism.

—By Lisa U.B., 18, Mantel, Germany