With the major wave of refugees arriving in Germany in 2015/2016, a small network of private individuals emerged in Riesa, who planned and implemented initial support services for the newly arriving migrants. At the beginning, these were primarily voluntary language learning programs. Over time, these individual activities developed into a loose group that came together as the "Initiative Sprachcafè", developed further support services and established more solid structures.

In addition to the voluntary language learning programs at various proficiency levels, a low-threshold meeting and counselling service "Sprachcafe" was established, and individual forms of support (job and housing searches, assistance in crisis situations or in hardship proceedings, developing prospects for remaining in the country…) increasingly became the focus of our work. With each subsequent major wave of refugees arriving in Germany, the demand for our services grew, and we were increasingly able to receive support from the migrant community.

In 2025, the Sprachcafè Riesa e.V. was founded from the Initiative Sprachcafè, with a high proportion of members with a migration background. This dedicated group continues the established services and sets new thematic priorities. In this way, working together with other stakeholders, we are increasingly becoming more visible in the city's society and advocating for acceptance and participation.