School without Racism – School with Courage

In 1988, students and youth workers in Belgium developed the idea of "School without Racism" in order to actively do something about discrimination. The project was so successful that it was introduced in various other European countries, too. Meanwhile, more than 750 schools all over Europe have received the honorific "School without Racism".

In 1995, the association AKTIONCOURAGE e.V. initiated the project in Germany. In order to further emphasise the active role of the participants, the title was changed to "Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage" (School without Racism – School with Courage, brief: SOR-SMC). So far, 375 schools in all of Germany’s federal states have received this title.

Since the end of 2000, Sanem Kleff, a member of the governing board of AKTIONCOURAGE has been managing SOR-SMC nationally. In 2001, the National Coordination of the project was moved from Bonn to Berlin.

Aims and Objectives:

enhancing students' and pupils' awareness of discrimination and racism in all its manifestations
supporting students' and pupils' engagement in the fight against discrimination and for integration and equal opportunities
encouraging students and pupils to develop humane and democratic thought and behaviour patterns
provision of training courses for students, pupils and teachers
lasting reduction of racism, discrimination and violence in our society

How to become a School without Racism – School with Courage

The National Coordination sends students/pupils introductory information and offers them the possibility of obtaining the honorific SOR-SMC for their school.

In order to do that, at least 70 percent of the students/pupils, teachers and ancillary staff of a school have to sign a statement that they acknowledge the principles of SOR-SMC. This constitutes a long-term commitment for the school community to engage in activities and projects against violence, discrimination and racism. At the same time the students/pupils look for a well-known personality to sponsor their project.

The list of signatures is submitted to the National Coordination, who then reciprocates by ceremonially awarding the school the honorary title SOR-SMC. Thus the schools who have received this become part of a European network whose members get together regularly at regional and European meetings to exchange information and discuss their experiences.

The network

A co-operative network supports the pupils/students in their activities. This consists of the National Coordination, the different regional Coordination offices as well as regional and national partners and facilitators. These include NGO's, organisations for youth work, regional subgroups of the teachers' unions and governmental bodies such as the Regional Centres for Political Education. The network offers advice and information to pupils/students, but also to educators and others who can help spread this information.

Special Features

"School without Racism - School With Courage" is a base-line project and works from the bottom up. It originates from within the ranks of the students and pupils. It is them who formulate their ideas, evolve them and put them into action, whenever possible in co-operation with their teachers.

The project's emphasis lies in taking action and students and pupils not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also practical and social experience. They acquire important skills which are useful for their future careers and help them become responsible adults.

These skills include not only obvious ones like intercultural competence, awareness of democratic processes and active participation in society, but also independent planning and putting their ideas into practice. Depending on the nature of their projects they also gain specific skills in such diverse areas as information technology, public relations, documentation, management, arts and human rights, as well as team work and working within a network structure.

Awards

The project has already received a number of awards:

Jugendkulturpreis NRW (youth culture prize) 1996 and 1998

Förderpreis "Demokratie leben" (promotion prize "living democracy") awarded by the German parliament, the "Bundestag", 1997 and 1999

Aachener Friedenspreis (Aachen peace prize), 1997

Civis-Preis by WDR (West German radio and TV),Köln 1997

Heinrich-Busman-Preis by SPD (Social-democrat party), Lünen 1997

Buber-Rosenzweig-Medaille by the German Coordination Board of the Society for Christian-Jewish Co-operation, 2001

Botschafter der Toleranz (Ambassador of Tolerance), 2004

For further information please contact:

Schule ohne Rassismus - Schule mit Courage

National Coordination