Nuremberg Launches Mobile Political Education Program for Elementary Schools
Nuremberg is expanding its commitment to civic education with the introduction of the Politmobil, a mobile classroom designed to bring political and social topics to primary school students. The program, which began in 2019 across Bavaria, will now make regular visits to schools in Nuremberg starting in the 2025/26 school year.
Interactive Workshops for Young Citizens
The Politmobil offers free, 90-minute workshops for students in grades one through four, focusing on active participation and discussion rather than traditional lecturing. The program is funded by a temporary position created for democracy education within the city’s Department for Cultural and Political Education. Workshops can be booked by emailing Erlebnisfeld-Mobiles@stadt.nuernberg.de, though appointments are limited.
A Focus on Core Values and Global Awareness
Students can choose from four different workshop themes:
- “Values Course”: Explores rules and community building.
- “Textile Factory”: Focuses on global justice issues.
- “Plastic Flood”: Addresses sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- “A Thread Around the World”: Promotes intercultural competence.
City Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Early Civic Engagement
Mayor Marcus König highlighted the importance of starting democracy education early, stating, “Democracy begins in everyday life – and it begins early. With the Politmobil we are creating an offer in Nuremberg that actively involves children, enables them to have a say and encourages them to develop their own attitudes. In this way, we not only strengthen knowledge, but as well a sense of responsibility and cohesion in our city.”
Mayor Prof. Dr. Julia Lehner added, “Cultural education gives children fresh access to social issues. The Politmobil combines learning with experience and makes democratic values tangible in a clear and creative way. This form of education in particular is crucial to sustainably promote curiosity, empathy and respect.”
Strengthening Democracy Education in Nuremberg
Annekatrin Fries, head of the Office for Culture and Leisure, emphasized the city’s commitment to early democracy education, stating, “With the Politmobil, the city of Nuremberg is specifically strengthening early democracy education. The offer provides political education in a realistic and age-appropriate manner and sensitizes children to social responsibility. It is our task to create educational offers that promote cohesion and enable participation – especially for young people.”
Further Information
More information about the Politmobil program can be found at www.nuernberg.de/internet/kuf_kultur/politmobil.html.
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