On May 27th, a special ceremony in Münster honored 37 high school students with the title “Equality coach”.  In the last several months, students participated in a variety of workshops where they learned about bigotry, how it manifests itself in schools, and how to help prevent and overcome it.


“It is important to reflect on the way we view those around us and to take a stand against bigotry and hatred,” said Abisara Machold of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation in her speech preceding the awarding of the certificates of honor.  “Unfortunately, too little attention is paid to bigotry in everyday school life.  With this certificate, you all get an A+ for your dedication and efforts against bigotry.”  The ceremony was part of a day spent by the students and their teachers in workshops on topics such as civic courage, democratic culture, racism, antisemitism and other forms of bigotry.  The workshops focused on manifestation of prejudice in and around the school environment.  The program was organized and supported jointly by the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, the RAA and SoR-SmC (Schools without Racism, Schools with Moral Courage) and is part of the larger program for “Living Equality.” 

In Tuesday’s workshops and the workshops in the preceeding months, the students were asked to think about their attitudes about and behaviour towards other people and were taught practical methods and rhetorical techniques to promote a culture of respect.  They also developed methods of prevention and intervention.  Moreover, each of the students designed and put into action a plan to help create a culture of respect in their own schools.


Stella Hindemith / Photo: Heimken, Münstersche Zeitung

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