AllerWeltHaus Hagen, nestled in the charming city of Hagen in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a vibrant cultural center with a focus on development policy. This unique establishment, whose name translates to World House, has been a beacon of cultural exchange, education, and fair trade since its inception in 1988. Located in the serene Dr. Ferdinand-David-Park on Potthofstraße 22, AllerWeltHaus Hagen stands as a testament to the city's commitment to global solidarity and sustainable development.
The roots of AllerWeltHaus Hagen stretch back to 1976 with the founding of the Third World Shop Hagen, an initiative aimed at promoting fair trade and supporting producers from the Global South. The cultural center itself was established in 1988, continuing the mission of its predecessor under the auspices of the development policy association AllerWeltHaus Hagen e.V. (formerly known as Dritte Welt Laden Hagen e.V. until 2007). The association, which has been active since 1979, is dedicated to fostering development aid and raising awareness about global issues.
At the heart of AllerWeltHaus Hagen lies the World Shop, a treasure trove of fair-trade products that include food items and handicrafts sourced from cooperatives and associations in the Global South. The shop's mission is to provide self-determined employment opportunities for producers in developing countries, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work. In addition to its core offerings, the World Shop also features eco-friendly stationery and books on development policy, making it a haven for conscientious consumers and avid readers alike.
The Cultural Office at AllerWeltHaus Hagen is a dynamic space where ideas come to life through a variety of events. From lectures and readings to concerts, theater performances, workshops, and exhibitions, the Cultural Office is a bustling hub of activity. These events are often organized in collaboration with other local organizations, such as the city of Hagen, the Adult Education Center, schools, and community groups. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the Cultural Office plays a crucial role in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.
No visit to AllerWeltHaus Hagen would be complete without a stop at Café Bistro Mundial, a cozy vegetarian-vegan café that serves as a meeting point for people from all walks of life. Since its opening in 1993, the café has been run primarily by volunteers, including many migrants, reflecting its ethos as a crossroads of cultures. The café offers a rotating daily menu that showcases international recipes, providing a delicious and inclusive dining experience. In recognition of its exemplary approach to social and ecological responsibility, Café Bistro Mundial received the Förderpreis Konziliarer Prozess (now known as the Förderpreis für Gerechtigkeit, Frieden und Bewahrung der Schöpfung) from the Evangelical Church of Westphalia in 1997.
AllerWeltHaus Hagen is renowned for its signature events that celebrate cultural diversity and promote fair trade. One such event is the OPENfAIR, a summer open-air cultural program that features performances and activities organized by various initiative groups. Another highlight is the AllerWelt-Bazaar, a pre-Christmas fair trade exhibition held in November. Spanning 200 square meters, the bazaar offers a wide array of fair-trade products, making it the perfect place to find unique and ethically sourced gifts for the holiday season.
AllerWeltHaus Hagen is more than just a cultural center; it is a vibrant community where numerous initiative groups come together to share their passions and work towards common goals. Among the groups that call AllerWeltHaus Hagen home are Terre des Hommes Hagen, the Hagen Peace Initiative, the Asylum Working Group, the Women's Café of the Diaconal Work, the ADFC Hagen regulars' table, the Hagen Photo Friends, the German-French Society, ProVeg Hagen, ECODRIVE - Silent Through Hagen, VCD Hagen, and the Hagen Games Group. This diverse array of groups underscores the center's role as a vital meeting place for people committed to making a positive impact in their community and beyond.
In 2021, AllerWeltHaus Hagen faced significant challenges due to the devastating flood that affected large parts of Hagen. Situated near the modest Volme River, the building was inundated when the river's water level rose by over four meters, flooding parts of the city center, including Dr. Ferdinand-David-Park and the lower levels of AllerWeltHaus. Despite these hardships, the resilient spirit of the AllerWeltHaus community shone through as they worked tirelessly to recover and continue their important work.
In conclusion, AllerWeltHaus Hagen is not just a cultural center; it is a vibrant symbol of global solidarity, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. Whether you're shopping for fair-trade products, attending a thought-provoking event, or enjoying a meal at Café Bistro Mundial, a visit to AllerWeltHaus Hagen promises to be an enriching and inspiring experience. So, next time you find yourself in Hagen, be sure to stop by and discover the world within its welcoming walls.
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