19 June 2026

Students and the local community are working together to shape the future meeting place at the Kornmarkt

Within a week, the ESF Plus project WORT Nord at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (HSN) reached two key target groups for the project: At the campus kick-off on 10 June, numerous students learnt about what the project has to offer; at the 56th Rolandsfest on 13 June, WORT Nord presented itself to a wider public for the first time and engaged in conversation with around 100 visitors about the future meeting place on Kornmarkt.

Campus Kick-off: Students get to know WORT Nord

On 10 June, a large number of students gathered at the HSN’s „Karzer“ student club to find out about WORT Nord and what it has to offer. As well as presenting the project, Aisha Salihu, a student assistant on the project, shared some strategic tips on preparing for STEM careers. Amir Fereidouninasab, who has been participating in the project since April, spoke about his preparations for a careers fair in Erfurt and his experiences in discussions with companies. The guests included both current participants and students who were not yet familiar with the project – a lively exchange took place in an informal setting, rounded off by a karaoke session, during which the project team and guests were able to get to know one another beyond purely academic topics.

A first for the Rolandsfest: ideas for the Kornmarkt

Three days later, on 13 June, WORT Nord took part for the first time in a major public event in the city centre: the 56th Rolandsfest. From 10 am to 4 pm, the project team presented its plans for the future community centre at Kornmarkt 3 – right at the future site, made possible thanks to the support of Nordhausen City Council, in particular the City Marketing and Events Department.

On two display boards, the approximately 100 visitors with whom the project team spoke were able to vote on ideas already collected by students in April and add their own suggestions. Among the most frequently requested activities were games evenings, free Wi-Fi, job-search support, language courses, cultural events and a ‘offer-and-seek’ noticeboard. There were also suggestions such as a Repair Café, parents’ afternoons, tutoring services and a newspaper service. Which of these suggestions can actually be implemented, both in terms of concept and funding, will be decided during the further planning process. As for the name of the future community centre – also the subject of a display board – there have so far been only a few suggestions; the question remains open.

Outlook

Through the canteen campaign in April, the campus kick-off and its participation in the Rolandsfest, WORT Nord reached all the target groups relevant to the project within just a few weeks – from students and the wider local community to politicians and the local administration. There are plans to take part again in the Rolandsfest in 2027, as well as in other regional events. The project team sees particular potential in the Thüringentag, which will take place next year in Nordhausen alongside the Rolandsfest and could provide an opportunity to showcase the project beyond the boundaries of the project area.

About WORT Nord

The project „WORT Nord - Weltoffene Region Thüringens: Talente binden, Zukunft sichern“ is being funded by the Free State of Thuringia with around 2 million euros from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

Term: November 2025 to October 2028.

Press contact

Chris Mertinat

Public relations and communication - Project WORT Nord

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

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