The young people of imagine experienced a special honour last week: With the schappo, the canton of Basel-Stadt honoured their commitment in everyday life for a more open society. The commission especially likes the participatory approach of imagine. Year after year, the young people show that their commitment has an impact.
On Thursday October 24th our project imagine and therefore also terre des hommes schweiz was honoured: imagine - the festival against racism received the schappo. The schappo is a prize for commitment in everyday life. (More about the award on the website of schappo). With this award the long lasting and constant sensitization work against racism and exclusion was honoured. The award ceremony of the 31st schappo took place at the company's headquarters in Mitte and attracted numerous guests.
Youth participation in practice
After the speech of District President Guy Morin, Martin Hafen, Professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts for Social Work, as a member of the schappo commission, gave a short insight into the decision-making process. In the end, according to Hafner, the commission found the decision easy. Hafner praised in particular the participatory approach, which is fully lived by imagine: The young people enjoy the greatest possible participation and involvement because all ideas, projects and activities are initiated, designed and implemented by the young people themselves.
When efforts also have an effect
In addition to participation, Hafner also emphasized another effect of imagine: "self-efficacy". Through their commitment against racism, the young people of imagine would not only do something for society, but they also learn that their efforts can make a difference. According to Hafner, this effect could also be seen in the presentation of the imagine project to the commission: Instead of sending young people with many years of imagine experience, imagine members answered the questions of the commission, who had only been present for a few months. The initial shyness would have been quickly overcome.
A dignified occasion with a pleasant conclusion
After Guy Morin had presented the prize, the official part of the award ceremony was rounded off by appreciative greetings from Ueli Mäder, Professor of Sociology at the University of Basel and Professor at the Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit, and from Brigitta Gerber, President of the Board of terre des hommes schweiz.
Following the formal part, the aperitif was opened. Victor Hofstetter offered a musical sound carpet for the relaxed part of the event. His performance brought the festive occasion to a cosy close.
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