Demokratie.Machen!

‘Demokratie. Machen!’ is a democracy education programme that strengthens democratic values and skills among young people at secondary and vocational schools in Frankfurt am Main. The programme creates contemporary approaches to democracy, promotes discussion skills and supports teachers with practical methods.

Training for pupils and teachers
The aim of the programme is to awaken young people's interest in fundamental democratic values and to accompany them on their path to active participation. Therefore, with its focus on secondary and vocational schools, it is aimed at young people in a crucial transition phase between school, training and career.

The programme is run jointly by the Stiftung Polytechnische Gesellschaft and the KfW Stiftung and implemented in collaboration with experienced education professionals. A closing event provides a forum for exchange and an outlook on further opportunities for participation.

Hands-on democracy skills

One key part of the programme is working with the Polyspektiv education agency to run two-day workshops for the students. On the first day, the young people get to know the topic of democracy and try out some discussion and argumentation techniques. On the second day of the workshop, they apply what they have learned to a controversial issue, such as the reintroduction of compulsory military service, national debt or intergenerational justice.

Following on from this, teachers receive further training that addresses key challenges in democracy education in everyday school life – such as dealing with controversial topics in class, the role of the teacher as a neutral figure, and promoting media literacy.

Artistic and creative methods
Keynote rapper and speaker Rico Montero (Heartbeat Edutainment) offers workshops in the programme in which pupils have the opportunity to engage creatively with democratic values – for example, by writing their own rap lyrics, designing a graffiti wall, choreographing their own dance performance or producing a podcast.

This programme module is also supplemented by accompanying training for teachers, which teaches creative methods and ideas for implementing democracy education in everyday school life. In addition, the formats offer opportunities for exchange and networking with other teachers.