FERI supports the strengthening of democratic understanding and dialogue skills among young people

Working together to promote greater democratic participation and future perspectives for young people

Democracy thrives when everyone is able to actively participate. We firmly believe that it is particularly important to inspire young people in particular to play an active role in shaping their future. What could be more appropriate than giving the students from our partner school in Bad Homburg, Gesamtschule am Gluckenstein (GAG), the opportunity to gain this experience as part of our long-standing cooperation project FERI4Education: Sustainability as an Opportunity for the Future?

With the organisation Children for a Better World e.V. (short: Children), we found the ideal partner for this initiative. For more than 30 years, Children has been committed to supporting children and young people in developing their potential. Through its Generation Germany, launched in 2024, it enables young people to experience first-hand how democratic dialogue is created.

The project was also supported by the municipal authorities of Bad Homburg, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with the city's political representatives and to experience political participation first-hand.

Welcome by Lord Mayor Alexander Hetjes (City of Bad Homburg)

Interactive learning formats to promote dialogue and democratic competencies

Following a welcome and introduction by the project partners, the students began participating in moderated group discussions.

The first round focused on Gender Equality (SDG5). Guided by the question “Mom, Dad, Work — what is fair?”, students explored gender roles, care work and the responsibilities of policymakers and businesses through critical discussion.

Round two focused on Climate Action (SDG13). The question “Should products that harm the climate be more expensive?” prompted the students to discuss climate-friendly incentive mechanisms – from CO₂ pricing to municipal measures.

Together with the experienced moderators from Generation Germany, the young people developed statements on both topics and considered what concrete measures could be initiated at municipal level. 

They then presented their findings to the plenary in an engaging panel discussion with Mayor Dr. Oliver Jedynak and City Councilor Tobias Ottaviani.

Panel discussion (from left to right): Sophie Weiß (Project Manager, Generation Germany, Children for a Better World e.V.), 
City Councilor Tobias Ottaviani (City of Bad Homburg), Mayor Dr. Oliver Jedynak (City of Bad Homburg)

The following remarks by GAG's Deputy Headteacher, Stefanie Braun-Wredenhagen, illustrate the value of our partnership and the positive contribution it makes within the school community and for its students: 

"It is incredibly valuable for our students not only to learn about democracy in class, but to actually experience it in practice. When young people feel that their opinions matter and are taken seriously, they develop genuine self-confidence and trust in democracy—and that is exactly what they need for their future. I would like to express my sincere thanks to FERI AG, the city of Bad Homburg, and Generation Germany for sending this strong joint message and for giving our students this special experience."

From left to right: Raphael Langenscheidt (Chairman of the Board, Children for a Better World e.V.), 
City Councilor Tobias Ottaviani (City of Bad Homburg), Stefanie Braun-Wredenhagen (Deputy Headmistress 
Gesamtschule am Gluckenstein), Stefanie Drögemüller (Senior Manager Communications & CSR, FERI AG), 
Marcel Renné (CEO, FERI AG), Mayor Dr. Oliver Jedynak (City of Bad Homburg)
 

Photos: Daniela Steffek Fotografie