FERI AG promotes young people's trust in democracy and ability to engage in dialogue

On the initiative of FERI AG, a joint democracy event was held yesterday, December 3, with Generation Germany, the Bad Homburg Comprehensive School at Gluckenstein (GAG), and the city of Bad Homburg. Around 60 students in grades 9 and 10 had the opportunity to experience democratic participation firsthand and in a practical setting. Generation Germany is a program run by the children's aid organization CHILDREN, which has been working for over 30 years to support children and young people in developing their potential.

The aim of the event was to inspire the next generation to take a lasting interest in democracy, dialogue, and shaping the future. Through interactive formats, the young people learned what democratic processes mean in everyday life and how they themselves can take responsibility. “Democracy thrives on people getting actively involved. Generation Germany is committed to inspiring the younger generation to help shape their future. As a company that takes social responsibility seriously, we support this commitment to creating spaces where young people can find their voice and be heard,” said Marcel Renné, CEO of FERI AG, at the opening of the event.

The city of Bad Homburg also supports the initiative. Mayor Alexander Hetjes emphasized: “Strengthening opinion-forming within democratic structures is fundamental for schoolchildren. Enabling them to gain practical experience at an early stage is extremely important. As a city, we are keen to promote this dialogue and bring politics to life.”

Strengthening dialogue and democratic skills through validated learning formats

Generation Germany uses its nationally proven format for democracy education for such events. In Bad Homburg, the focus was on two socially relevant topics that are also key areas of FERI's work: gender equality and climate protection. The young people discussed in guided groups the significance of these issues for their personal environment and what concrete measures could be initiated at the local level. They then presented their ideas in an exchange with Mayor Oliver Jedynak and City Councilor Tobias Ottaviani.

“Our goal is to empower young people not only to understand social challenges, but also to actively link them to solutions – and that's exactly what they experience in these formats,” said Raphael Langenscheidt, CEO of CHILDREN, the organization behind Generation Germany. “Our scientifically validated learning settings offer young people the structure and freedom to contribute constructively and experience democratic processes as effective.”

Strong local partnership for exchange and self-efficacy

FERI has been committed to education and future-oriented topics for several years. This project is part of the long-standing cooperation “Sustainability as an Opportunity for the Future” with GAG: "GAG promotes the development of its students in an exemplary manner – far beyond the classroom. We are very aware of and appreciate this, which is why it is the right partner for such a democracy event with Generation Germany. Together with the city of Bad Homburg, this creates a framework that allows young people to experience democratic processes authentically, locally, and directly," says Renné.

Stefanie Braun-Wredenhagen, deputy headmistress of the Gesamtschule am Gluckenstein comprehensive school, added: "It is incredibly valuable for our students not only to learn about democracy in class, but to actually experience it. 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 signal and for making this special experience possible for our students."

For more information about FERI's commitment, visit: https://www.feri.de/engagement and Generation Germany at: https://www.generationgermany.de/