Schule Ohne Rassismus Schule Mit Courage

Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage (School Without Racism – School With Courage) is a nationwide German network of schools committed to combating racism, discrimination, and bullying. This article provides expats, newcomers, and anyone else seeking information with a clear and practical overview of this important initiative.

What is Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage?

Essentially, it's a project designed to empower students and school communities to actively stand up against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. It's not a label a school earns permanently, but rather an ongoing commitment that requires active participation and continuous engagement from students, teachers, and staff. Achieving the title signifies that a school has formally declared its intention to create a tolerant and inclusive environment.

Core Principles

The project is founded on several key principles:

Active Involvement: It's not enough to simply be "not racist." The program encourages proactive intervention against racist or discriminatory behavior.
Shared Responsibility: Every member of the school community bears responsibility for creating a welcoming and respectful atmosphere.
Continuous Learning: Addressing racism and discrimination is an ongoing process that requires constant learning and reflection.

How Does a School Become a Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage?

The process involves several crucial steps:

Gathering Support: A significant portion of the school community (students, teachers, and staff) must support the initiative. Specifically, at least 70% of all people who learn and work at the school must sign a declaration committing to the project’s aims. This signature demonstrates their personal willingness to actively oppose discrimination and racism.
Finding a Courage Partner (Courage-Partner*in): The school needs to find a prominent figure (e.g., a politician, athlete, artist, or activist) willing to act as a Courage-Partner*in. This person serves as a symbolic supporter and can provide guidance and inspiration. The Courage-Partner*in ideally participates in school events and supports the school's efforts to combat discrimination.
Planning and Implementing Activities: The school must plan and implement at least one anti-discrimination activity per year. This could be a workshop, a project day, a theater performance, or a fundraising event – anything that promotes tolerance and understanding.
Registration: Once these requirements are met, the school can register with the regional coordination office.

The Role of the Courage-Partnerin*

The Courage-Partner*in is more than just a name attached to the project. They are expected to actively support the school's initiatives. This might involve attending events, giving speeches, participating in discussions, or simply lending their name to the cause. The selection of the Courage-Partner*in is a crucial decision and should be based on their genuine commitment to fighting discrimination and their ability to inspire the school community.

What Happens After a School Becomes a Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage?

Becoming a Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage is not the end of the process; it's just the beginning. The school must continuously work to maintain its commitment to the project's principles. This involves:

Regular Activities: Continuing to plan and implement at least one anti-discrimination activity per year.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assessing the school's climate and identifying areas for improvement.
Addressing Incidents: Developing clear procedures for addressing incidents of racism, discrimination, and bullying.
Networking and Collaboration: Connecting with other schools in the network to share best practices and learn from each other.

Why is Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage Important?

The project plays a vital role in promoting a more tolerant and inclusive society. It helps to:

Raise Awareness: Educating students about different forms of discrimination and their impact.
Empower Students: Giving students the tools and confidence to stand up against prejudice.
Promote Empathy: Encouraging students to understand and appreciate different perspectives.
Create a Safer Environment: Fostering a school climate where all students feel safe, respected, and valued.

In a society increasingly confronted with issues of racism and discrimination, initiatives like Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage are essential for educating young people and promoting positive change. By actively engaging in this project, schools can contribute to a more just and equitable future.

Common Misconceptions

There are some common misunderstandings about the project. It’s important to clarify these:

It's not a certificate of perfection: Achieving the title doesn't mean the school is completely free of racism or discrimination. It signifies a commitment to ongoing effort and vigilance.
It's not a top-down initiative: While teachers and administrators play a crucial role, the project is driven by student involvement and participation.
It's not just about foreign residents: While the project aims to combat xenophobia and discrimination against migrants and refugees, it also addresses other forms of prejudice, such as sexism, homophobia, and ableism. It targets discrimination against *all* groups.

How Can Expats and Newcomers Get Involved?

If you are an expat or newcomer and your child attends a Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage, there are several ways you can get involved:

Support the School's Activities: Attend events, volunteer your time, or donate to fundraising efforts.
Share Your Experiences: If you have experienced discrimination, consider sharing your story with the school community. This can help to raise awareness and promote understanding.
Become an Advocate: Speak out against racism and discrimination whenever you see it, both within the school and in the wider community.
Learn More: Educate yourself about different forms of discrimination and the challenges faced by marginalized groups. The school or local anti-discrimination organizations can be great resources.
Communicate with Your Child: Talk to your child about racism, discrimination, and the importance of tolerance and respect.

Even if your child's school is *not* a Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage, you can still take steps to promote tolerance and inclusion. You can encourage the school to consider joining the network, or you can support other initiatives that promote diversity and understanding.

Finding More Information

For more detailed information about Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage, you can visit the official website (www.schule-ohne-rassismus.org). The website provides resources for schools, students, and parents, as well as information about upcoming events and activities. You can also contact the regional coordination office for your state (Bundesland). Their contact information can typically be found on the national website.

Conclusion

Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage is a powerful tool for creating more tolerant and inclusive school communities. By empowering students and fostering a culture of respect, the project helps to build a better future for all. It’s a demonstration of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right. As expats and newcomers integrate into German society, understanding and supporting initiatives like this is crucial for fostering a welcoming and equitable environment for everyone.