To promote political education and dialogue between generations, a children's question session with politicians took place at the Fraulautern neighborhood office. In a cozy setting over a slice of pizza, the initial shyness quickly faded, and the children and adolescents bombarded the two members of the state parliament, Florian Schäfer and Marc Speicher, with their questions. About 25 questions had been prepared and written down on colorful cards by the 15 students aged 7 to 15. After two hours, the question session ended – but the younger generation's thirst for knowledge was far from satisfied.
As part of a workshop with neighborhood manager Jessica Fischer, the students of the elementary school Im Alten Kloster and the Martin Luther King community school had prepared questions in advance. The children's interests covered a wide range of topics, including environmental protection, safety in public spaces, and the design of playgrounds and swimming pools. The two mayoral candidates also had to respond to some critical questions. “The event clearly showed once again how important it is to introduce the next generation to politics and to promote an understanding of democracy from an early age. The children and young people in Fraulautern have contributed great ideas that are important for the district and our city, and I will take them with me,” said Marc Speicher MdL.
That children and young people want to have a say was clearly demonstrated by the event. Especially with regard to the rights defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the resulting (co-determination) opportunities, the children and young people had numerous questions and demanded more information on the topic. “Children are not only the future but also the present of our society. The students brought refreshing perspectives and creative ideas for shaping our coexistence,” said Florian Schäfer. “The teaching of children’s rights in schools is an important point, and we will take it with us,” he promised.
The day ended with a group photo and the promise from both candidates for the office of mayor that the children's question session will continue, in order to maintain the dialogue between politicians and citizens of all ages.
Background:
“Every child needs a future” was the motto of this year’s World Children’s Day. UNICEF Germany and the German Children’s Fund are calling for stronger political commitment to a just and livable future for young people with this motto. A stronger political commitment from the state and society for a better future for young people is urgently needed. Because the interests of children are still systematically overlooked in many areas of politics. Therefore, a significant strengthening of democratic participation opportunities for children and young people is urgently required. This is exactly where the joint project of the Fraulautern neighborhood management, the Im Alten Kloster primary school, and the Martin Luther King community school comes in. “We want to promote the political awareness of children and young people and encourage them to stand up for their interests. For this, it is important that the children and young people know what rights they have, where they are allowed to have a say, and above all how they can get involved,” said the neighborhood manager.
