“A school named after a hero” you might think. The Refik-Veseli-Schule stands before you. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. This building in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district breathes history. It began life in 1886 as the 115th and 237th municipal school. Architect Hermann Blankenstein designed it. His academic historicism style is still visible today. The school almost disappeared in the 1980s. Citizens fought to save it. Their efforts led to a 36 million DM renovation. The school reopened in 1990. It became Berlin’s first integrated secondary school in 1995.
For many years it bore a different name. Then in 2014 something amazing happened. The school was renamed after Refik Veseli. Who was he? Refik Veseli was an Albanian Muslim. During the German occupation of Albania he hid two Jewish families. He and his family risked everything. They embodied the values of acceptance and diversity. These ideals became the school’s guiding principles. The name change was a powerful statement. It was a tribute to a man who showed incredible courage.
The Refik-Veseli-Schule isn’t just about the past. It offers a comprehensive education. It provides learning from grades 7 through 13. It even includes a high school diploma program. The school actively fosters diversity. Students from diverse backgrounds attend classes together. Around 30% of seventh graders had a recommendation for the gymnasium. Many children with special educational needs are supported here too. In the seventh and eighth grades around 30% of the students are German. This school is more than a place for academics. It’s a place where young people grow and learn. The school builds bridges with neighboring elementary schools. It offers language courses and a comprehensive day program. There’s even a Montessori branch. The school community is close knit and collaborative. Students actively participate in school decisions.
The Refik-Veseli-Schule is a special place. It stands as a reminder. A reminder of the importance of courage, compassion and acceptance. It’s also an example of how education can bring different people together. This building you see before you is a beacon. It shows the power of education and human connection. This is more than a school. It’s a testament to human resilience and a symbol of hope for the future.