Youth voicing concerns about democratic practices
Former Federal President Wulff Honors Achievers of KKV Essay Contest in Paderborn
PADERBORN—The winners of the nationwide KKV essay competition, which delved into the topic "Is democracy under threat?", were publicly recognized at the opening of the 92nd KKV federal conference. Former Federal President Christian Wulff, as the event's patron, granted the awards to the young writers.
The relevance of the theme was accentuated by Markus Marhoffer in his opening speech. He emphasized the importance of fostering critical engagement with democracy, especially in an era marked by increasing political polarization and dwindling faith in democratic institutions.
In his speech, Wulff underscored the urgency of upholding democratic values amidst the challenges they currently face. His remarks were met with rapt attention from the 130 attendees.
The esteemed panel of judges presented the following students with awards:
- Leah Baatz, Sankt-Adelheid-Gymnasium Bonn
- Thore Johann Mennrich, Liebfrauenschule Oldenburg
- Amelie Boxler, Maristenkolleg Mindelheim
The winning essays impressed with their originality, linguistic precision, and analytical acumen as they addressed complex societal issues. Topics ranged from political missteps to participation opportunities to philosophical reflections on liberty.
The special democracy prize was presented to 14-year-old Anton Jänsch from the Archigymnasium Soest for a creative video he produced for the KKV election call, "We speak up because democracy needs a voice." The video garnered over 3,000 views on YouTube, and the entire campaign was seen by over 30,000 people. Wulff praised Jänsch's courage and commitment, stating that he demonstrated more backbone than many eligible voters.
Beyond the awards ceremony, the event also served as a platform for dialogue and reflection. Speeches by KKV chairman Josef Ridders, his deputy Markus Marhoffer, and deputy mayor Martin Pantke underscored the event's wide support. Marhoffer, addressing the young winners, emphasized, "Your thoughts are a crucial contribution to the discussion about our democracy's future."
The KKV competition has demonstrated its role in political education by promoting freedom of speech, critical thinking, and youth responsibility. The submissions reveal a growing consciousness among the younger generation about democratic values and send a clear message: Democracy thrives on the participation of its citizens.
Essay competitions often function as platforms for young people to engage in democratic discussions by promoting critical thinking and self-expression. They play a significant role in fostering an understanding of democratic values, inspiring participation, and developing crucial skills for active citizenship. For instance, participants develop research, writing, and analytical skills, essential for successful democratic engagement.
What if we also discuss the significance of these essay competitions in broader contexts such as education-and-self-development, politics, and general-news? This event not only highlights the youth's understanding of democratic values but also aids in their development as informed citizens. The winning essays in the KKV competition, for example, showcase a range of topics from political missteps to philosophical reflections on liberty, providing not just an intellectual exercise but practical insights into active democratic participation.
