The Silent University is created in response to the fate of numerous refugees and asylum seekers with academic backgrounds who are unable to use their knowledge and skills after fleeing. It serves as an autonomous platform for those who have been silenced due to unrecognised papers and degrees or unclear residence status and enables an intercultural exchange of knowledge and an individual perspective for those affected. Refugees and asylum seekers become lecturers and advisors and their knowledge can be heard again. Course contents are developed together and correspond to the respective professional qualifications and reflections. Principles and demands include direct recognition of refugees' academic backgrounds, knowledge exchange without legal or linguistic restrictions and decentralised, participatory and equal education.

Ziel ist es, das Wissen der Teilnehmer*innen zu adressieren und zu reaktivieren und den Austauschprozess für beide Seiten vorteilhaft zu gestalten, indem alternative Zahlungsmittel erfunden werden, anstelle von Geld oder kostenloser freiwilliger Arbeit.

Silenced knowledge becomes audible again.

Ahmet Öğüt