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Everything you need to know about the “Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage” programmes in Germany
The programmes “School without Racism – School with Courage” (Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage) form the largest school network in Germany working to create learning environments that promote tolerance and actively oppose all forms of discrimination and hostility. The initiative sends a clear message: the fight against hatred is a shared responsibility that starts in the classroom and reaches out into society as a whole.
What is the aim of this initiative?
To empower pupils, teachers and school staff to take a positive and active stand against all forms of discrimination, including racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community, and more. (schule-ohne-rassismus.org)
To strengthen a democratic school culture based on respect for others and the inherent dignity of every human being.
How can your school become part of the network?
For a school to join the project, the following steps are required:
Internal vote: At least 70 % of the pupils and staff must sign a declaration committing themselves to counter discrimination and to act with courage. (glockengiesserstrasse.info)
Choosing a “Courage Partner” (Courage-Partner*in): A public or well-known personality (e.g. artist, politician, athlete) who supports the project and takes part in its activities. (glockengiesserstrasse.info)
Annual activity: The school carries out at least one project per year that promotes tolerance and diversity (e.g. workshop, project day, cultural campaign).
Official registration: The signed declarations, the school’s application and the name of the Courage Partner are submitted to the regional or federal coordination office.
Joining ceremony: A celebration is held, during which the official sign “Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage” is mounted on the school building and the certificate of admission is presented.
What happens after joining?
The network currently includes more than 4,700 schools and represents over two million pupils and teachers in Germany.
Practical educational work includes, for example:
Activities and workshops dealing with various forms of hatred and discrimination. (glockengiesserstrasse.info, ebege.de)
Role plays, artistic projects and student initiatives such as the #IamHuman campaign in the schoolyard. (ebege.de)
Exchange of experiences and cooperation with other schools in the Courage network.
Who supports the network?
A federal coordination office that oversees the overall structure and links it with the coordination offices in the federal states.
State and regional coordination offices that provide hands-on support for schools at local level.
Around 2,500 partners from the world of arts, politics, sport and public life.
Supporting institutions such as the Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung), the Anne Frank Centre and other civil society partners. (de.wikipedia.org)
Recognition and awards
The project has received several prestigious awards, including:
Theodor Heuss Medal (2001)
“Ambassador of Tolerance” award (2004)
The Buber-Rosenzweig Medal and other honours
Examples of successful schools and projects
Many schools, such as the Reinhold-Burger-Schule and the Heinz-Brandt-Schule, run regular activities like exploring Holocaust archives and artistic projects dealing with history and discrimination. (de.wikipedia.org)
Emmy-Noether-Gymnasium organises critical anti-discrimination competitions and an “AntiRacism Competition” exhibition in cooperation with its partner football club 1. FC Union Berlin. (de.wikipedia.org)
Why is this important?
The programme does not create an illusion of perfection; instead, it focuses on long-term institutional work and shared responsibility against discrimination.
It strengthens civic education and democratic learning in an atmosphere of honesty, dialogue and mutual respect.
It equips today’s students with the courage and awareness they need to face future social challenges.
Summary
The “Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage” programmes put students at the heart of change: they give them the courage to stand up against discrimination and to live shared values in their everyday school life. If you work at a school and sense a desire for positive change, joining the Courage network is a key step towards a more inclusive and just educational community.
Key German terms
Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage (SoRSmC): School without racism – school with courage
Courage-Partner*in: Project sponsor/partner with symbolic and practical support role
Bundeskoordination / Landeskoordination: Federal and state-level coordination offices
Courage-Netzwerk: Courage network of participating schools
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or uncertainties cannot be ruled out completely. The information in this article should therefore be regarded as a first point of reference; for binding and up-to-date details, please always consult the competent authorities.
