Co-determination from the outset
Knowing one’s own rights - and respecting those of others. We present three projects that teach young people the value of democracy.
Rights Respecting Schools: The courage to have one’s own opinion
Unicef, the United Nations organisation for the promotion of children’s rights, supports schools in their efforts to explore the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the classroom and in everyday school life. The programme teaches children and young people about their rights and to respect the rights of others. They are encouraged to express their opinions, but also to listen to their fellow pupils. One of the newest Rights Respecting Schools in Germany is the Hinrich-Wolff-Schule Bergen in Lower Saxony. “This expresses our commitment to giving our pupils a powerful voice,” says Head Teacher Katja Tank.
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Open consent form“Live Democracy!”: Commitment to diversity
Misanthropic and extremist attitudes have no place in a democracy. For example, anyone who insults others because of the way they look, their sexual identity, their religion or their ethnic background will also jeopardise social cohesion. The programme “Live Democracy!” run by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) therefore provides funding for initiatives that are committed todiversity. Their aim is to help prevent the radicalisation of young people in particular. “Democracy thrives when we actively live it each day together,” says Minister Lisa Paus.
Democracy thrives when we actively live it each day together.
jugend.support: Help with online stress
On the online platform jugend.support (youth.support), young people learn how to defend themselves against cyberbullying or harassment. They are told about their rights online and about the kind of opinions it is permissible to express in a democracy. They are also given concrete information about where to obtain help if someone exceeds the boundaries. Funded by Germany’s federal government, the portal also enables users to report content that violates democratic principles.
