Debattierkünstler*innen

The project “Debattier­künstler*innen” (Debate Artists) aims to provide young people from Frankfurt with an oppor­tunity to learn and actively experience debating and to pass on their experien­ces to other young people. To this end, the young people receive communi­cation training that teaches them how to develop their own political ideas and introduce them into discussions in a structured manner. A thematic focus lies on topics related to peace and conflict studies.

All secondary schools in Frankfurt were invited to suggest students or classes to participate in a training program with communi­cation trainers up to February 2023. Five schools were selected from the applications for the pilot implementation of the project. Each group of students will receive debate training in the form of a one-day work­shop in which, in addition to rhetorical skills, rules for pro­ductive discussions will be practiced.

The debate artists can then use their newly acquired knowledge and skills at an event organi­zed by the respective school and, for example, practice in a debate or pass on their knowledge to other classmates. For these events, researchers from PRIF are available to provide knowledge on the selected topics and as dialogue partners. The topics are chosen in consultation with the participating schools.

The project aims to inspire young people for demo­cratic practices and to promote their participation in democracy. Strengthening a pro­ductive culture of debate in schools is an important step in this process.

Photo: Dannie Jing via Unsplash