More Democratic Awareness at Schools in Brandenburg

Swastikas on furniture, flyers with right-wing slogans and anti-democratic scenes in school corridors: several right-wing extremist incidents at schools in Brandenburg have not only alarmed teachers. Education Minister Steffen Freiberg is now stepping up state support - and is relying on a programme set up by the Robert Bosch Stiftung together with the Technical University of Dresden. From 2024, the "Strong Teachers - Strong Students" training program will be open to teachers from all types of schools and will be funded on a permanent basis by the Brandenburg Ministry of Education.

The move is part of a new five-point plan 'Strengthening political education in Brandenburg schools', which offers up-to-date media and counselling services as well as projects to promote understanding of democracy in schools. As right-wing extremists are cleverly using social media, targeting schools and downplaying their beliefs, it is particularly important to address their strategies and xenophobia in general. With "Strong Teachers - Strong Students", teachers can learn more about the issues of antidemocratic attitudes and right-wing extremism in order to engage in an exchange with their students.

So far, six vocational schools in Brandenburg are taking part in our 'Strong Teachers - Strong Students' program. In a three-year qualification and coaching process, academics and experts impart up-to-date knowledge about right-wing extremist youth culture, but also more self-confidence in dealing with conflict situations and in dealing with anti-democratic attitudes and statements.