From 7 to 11 October, pupils from Barmen comprehensive school will be exploring the topic of democracy. They will be coming to the University of Wuppertal next Monday, where university staff will be offering various working groups. The pupils can choose between the topics "ABC of democracy", "How do you recognise fake news?", "Dealing with extremist positions in everyday life", "Gender justice" and "The social impact of climate change". On the following days, the pupils will creatively develop their chosen topic at Barmen Comprehensive School and present it in the form of podcasts and videos.

Making young voices visible

The results are to be uploaded to a dedicated project website in the long term and thus made accessible to the interested public. "We want to counteract the impression of many young people that their voices are no longer heard in society and politics," explains project manager Smail Rapic, Professor of Practical Philosophy and Modern Philosophy at the University of Wuppertal. The project team is also responding to the findings of the German government's latest report on children and young people, which was presented by Minister Lisa Paus in September. The report shows that many young people do not feel politically represented and are developing a growing mistrust of democratic institutions.