Through group exercises, everyone reflected on how rules and laws are created and how individuals participate in these processes.

This was one of the topics discussed by UEM Volunteers in the 5-days political seminar hosted by Federal Volunteer Service (BFD) held at the Bad Staffelstein Education Center conducted under the direction of Peter Winkler. While volunteers from BFD programs were also present, this article focuses on the experiences of the UEM Volunteer group.

In connection with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25), the group also addressed the topic of gender-based violence. Together, we identified key strategies for reducing violence and strengthening equality in strategies including Promoting respect between men and women at home, in society, and at work, teaching boys and girls mutual respect from an early age, ensuring fair salary structures for men and women, providing equal parental leave rights and enhancing education and societal awareness.

A debate followed on the topic of elections. While many supported the voting age of 18, others argued for allowing politically mature teenagers aged 14–16 to vote. Some proposed that voting eligibility could be based on a political knowledge test for all citizens. Although no final consensus was reached, the discussion highlighted how deeply democracy depends on participation, understanding, and fairness.

Nürnberg: Learning from History

A full-day excursion took volunteers to Nürnberg, where we visited the Memorium Nürnberg Trials, including the historic Courtroom 600. We also explored the Avenue of Human Rights, connecting historical justice to global human rights standards. This visit supported the certificate topic: “From Nuremberg to The Hague — Visit to Courtroom 600 and the Avenue of Human Rights.”

Here, we strengthened our understanding of international law, accountability, and the significance of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the seminar’s central learning components.

The following day explored the question: “When do we cooperate?” through a practical activity inspired by the prisoner’s dilemma. In a competitive game over ten rounds, two teams had to choose between red and green, each color carrying different point advantages or consequences.

At first, both teams often lost points due to mistrust and defensive strategies. Later, by communicating and choosing cooperation, both teams gained significantly more points. This exercise illustrated a key political lesson: cooperation leads to mutual benefit, while competition often causes collective losses.

Later we were divided into four language-based groups — two English-speaking and two Spanish-speaking — to prepare and present political project proposals. Topics included Migration, Anti-corruption and others. These presentations allowed us to combine our diverse experiences with new knowledge gained during the seminar.

HINWEIS
Jeremie Niyiguha aus Ruanda arbeitet seit April ein Jahr lang als Freiwilliger im Evangelischen Kirchenkreis An Sieg und Rhein mit. Von Zeit zu Zeit beschreibt er ganz persönliche Eindrücke und Erlebnisse.