As a recent migrant to Germany I say this: the border clampdown is an insult to the values championed here

‘Germany – having been seen in recent years as a humanitarian beacon for its track record in welcoming asylum seekers and refugees – is tightening its borders.’ Photograph: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock

I live in a small, quaint old town in north-west Germany, and every day I attend four hours of German and integration lessons. I attend because I am an immigrant: I am South African, and moved to Germany three months ago, along with my German husband and our children. These classes, which will take 700 hours to complete, are a requirement of my staying here for more than a year.

The course takes place at the local Volkshochschule (VHS – “the people’s high school”), a network of about 900 public adult education centres that offers a wide range of courses, including languages and vocational training. The schools are deeply rooted in Germany’s commitment to lifelong learning and social inclusion.