10,000 bus angels: students trained for more respect and moral courage!

10,000 bus angels: students trained for more respect and moral courage!

In recent years, the “Bus Angel – Violence Prevention” project has made impressive progress in the Pinneberg and Segeberg districts. To date, over 10,000 students have been trained and can now act as ambassadors for moral courage and respect in public spaces. According to NDR, the training started in 2003 and is aimed at students in the 7th, 8th and 9th grades at general schools in these regions.

The training, which typically takes place over a period of three to four days, is not only an important means of preventing violence, but also offers young people specific content on social skills. [Bildungsserver] emphasizes that the project is supplemented by an interdisciplinary educational mandate that is based on Schleswig-Holstein's educational plans. Topics such as consumer education and fairness are addressed in order to promote harmonious coexistence.

What is being taught?

The program includes a wide range of topics. In addition to raising awareness of various forms of violence, recognizing spirals of violence and escalation is also on the agenda. The aim is to break down prejudices and develop an understanding of justice and respect. Students also learn how to resolve conflicts constructively and how to protect themselves. This training includes theoretical basics as well as practical exercises, role plays and group work.

Participation in this program ends not only with a valuable experience, but also with a certificate of participation that certifies the skills acquired. Another plus point: Participation is free of charge for students and is organized individually by arrangement.

Collaboration and patronage

The project is being carried out in close cooperation with the Hamburg Transport Association and the Bad Segeberg Police Department. These partnerships are crucial to strengthening the concept of safety and respectful coexistence. Those responsible for the project emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and moral courage, which young people can take with them not only at school but also in everyday life.

These initiatives are in line with nationwide violence prevention strategies, which were also discussed in a 2002 report by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. The importance of prevention programs and the need for school development programs to promote respect and tolerance in society are emphasized here, as [education server] also explains in detail.

The success of the “Bus Angels” shows once again that education and preventative action go hand in hand to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex society. The feedback from participants and schools confirms the positive influence that such training can have and motivates other schools to follow similar paths.