Many colorful books are already ready – ready to be delivered to a total of 17 schools in the Coburg city area. “We want to promote democracy from an early age,” emphasizes Anna-Lena Hänel from the VHS Coburg, who runs the “Read Democracy!” Project. initiated. The focus is on conveying values such as cohesion, tolerance and respect and should be strengthened with the help of reading, non-fiction and picture books.
Together against hatred, exclusion and discrimination – for the project “read democracy!” There were many enthusiastic teachers and supporters: Jasmin Müller-Alefeld, headmistress of the Neuses primary school, Kunibert Gründel from the vocational school I, Gerhard Schmid, headmistress of the vocational school center I with FOS / BOS, Martina Riegert from the Riemann bookstore, Julia Hünemörder from the education office, Matthias Schmidt from the Lions Aid Organization Coburg and Dorothée Sinha from the Lions Club Coburg Veste.
Every type of school benefits
“Even with us, children can experience democracy in a small environment,” explains Jasmin Müller-Alefeld. In a class council, for example, the primary school students could already learn what participation means. With the literature made available, the topics could now be deepened in class.
From elementary school to grammar school, special school to technical college – every possible type of school benefits from the project. Teachers could choose the books they want from a reading list or make further suggestions. Now over 1,300 books worth 15,000 euros are donated. “It was almost like a wish list for Christmas,” adds Müller-Alefeld with a laugh.
But the books don’t just act as classroom reading. Setting up reading corners or open bookcases is also an option. Above all, voluntary taking promotes democratic education, as vocational school director Gerhard Schmid puts it. “When it comes to vocational schools, very few people think of general education,” he says, “but subjects like German and religion are also very important to us.”
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