The young people from imagine received a special honor last week: the canton of Basel-Stadt awarded them the schappo in recognition of their commitment to a more open society in everyday life. The commission particularly liked imagine’s participatory approach. Year after year, the young people show that their commitment has an impact.
On Thursday, October 24, our project imagine and thus also terre des hommes schweiz received an honor: imagine – the festival against racism received the schappo. The schappo is an award for commitment in everyday life. (More about the award on the schappo website). This award recognizes the many years of constant awareness-raising work against racism and exclusion. The award ceremony for the 31st schappo took place at Unternehmen Mitte and attracted numerous guests.
Living youth participation
After the speech by President of the Government Guy Morin, Martin Hafen, Professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts for Social Work, gave a brief insight into the decision-making process as a member of the schappo committee. According to Hafner, the commission’s decision was ultimately an easy one. In his justification for the award, Hafner particularly praised the participatory approach, which is fully practiced by imagine: The young people enjoy the greatest possible co-determination and participation because all ideas, projects and activities are initiated, designed and carried out by the young people themselves.
When efforts also have an impact
In addition to participation, Hafner also emphasized another effect of imagine: “self-efficacy”. By engaging against racism, the young people from imagine not only do something for society, but they also learn that they can make a difference with their efforts. According to Hafner, this effect was also evident during the presentation of the imagine project to the commission: Instead of sending young people who already have many years of imagine experience, imagine members who had only been involved for a few months answered the commission’s questions. They had quickly shed their initial shyness.
A worthy event with a convivial finale
After Guy Morin presented the award, the official part of the award ceremony was rounded off with appreciative words of welcome from Ueli Mäder, Professor of Sociology at the University of Basel and Professor at the School of Social Work, and Brigitta Gerber, President of the Board of terre des hommes schweiz.
Following the formal part, the drinks reception was opened. Victor Hofstetter provided a musical soundtrack for the relaxed part of the event. His performance brought the festive event to a pleasant close.
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