“GREAT Cooperation”: Schools make a statement for diversity and democracy Schools from the network 'School without Racism – School with Courage' (SoR/SmC) exhibit at the district hall

Oberbergischer Kreis. "GROß-ARTig zusammenwirken" - under this motto, eight schools from the Oberberg region, part of the network "School without Racism – School with Courage" (SoR/SmC), have joined forces for an initiative: Through an art project, students are making a statement for peaceful, respectful, and supportive coexistence. At the same time, they are highlighting the importance of anti-racism and anti-discrimination efforts, democracy promotion, participation, and equality in everyday school life. 
The schools have addressed the promotion of democratic school culture as a current and important topic through this art project. Collective action, even beyond their own school boundaries, is at the heart of the initiative. 

"The magnificent artwork stands for diversity, respect, and solidarity. The committed students impressively showcase how dedicated and creative they have been in crafting this expressive statement against racism and what collective commitment can achieve. This togetherness, characterized by solidarity, tolerance, and mutual appreciation, forms the foundation for a democratic and diverse society," says District Administrator Klaus Grootens. 

Individually designed image elements are combined into a cohesive artwork

The participating schools each received 30 individual pieces to print on paper. These coloring templates in card format were individually designed by the students using colored pencils. Subsequently, the total of 250 individual pieces were assembled into an artwork. This resulted in a collage approximately 2 x 3 meters in size, uniting the diversity of individual contributions into a collective piece.

"The artwork simultaneously represents the objective of the community action: diversity is not seen as division but as enrichment. Only through the collaboration of diverse contributions could the art project be realized. I therefore extend my thanks to all participants from the Oberberg schools and the organizers involved," says Education Officer Stefan Heße.

The implementation of the art project was accompanied by Christa Wirths (Homburgisches Gymnasium), Janika Lücker (Jakob-Moreno-Schule), Lars Schubert (Wüllenweber Gymnasium Bergneustadt), and Bastian Voigt, Regional Coordinator of the SoR/SmC Schools in the Oberberg District.

Fortunately, the implementation of the community project coincided with the Intercultural Week, held under the motto "dafür 2.0 – against all intolerance and exclusion!" from September 26 to October 4 in the Oberberg region. The large-format artwork is displayed in the foyer of the district administration building and can be viewed there during regular opening hours by visitors.

Youth from the following schools participated in this year's community initiative: 

• Aggertal Gymnasium in Engelskirchen

• Sonnenschule Auf dem Bursten, Bergneustadt

• Gesamtschule Marienheide

• Gesamtschule TOB, Wiehl

• Realschule Hückeswagen

• Homburgisches Gymnasium Nümbrecht

• Jakob Moreno School, Gummersbach

• Wüllenweber Gymnasium, Bergneustadt

For further information, the regional coordinator of the "Schools without Racism, Schools with Courage" network for the Oberberg District, Bastian Voigt, is available:
Email bastian.voigt@obk.de and phone 02261 88-1251.