Giffey: Do not cancel "Respect Coaches"
Franziska Giffey, Berlin's SPD state chairwoman, has criticized the federal government's cost-cutting plans in connection with the "Respect Coaches" prevention programme. "It is incomprehensible to me to want to cut the important and successful Respect Coaches program," said the SPD politician on Monday. The program was launched in 2018 during her time as Federal Minister for Family Affairs under the motto "Let's talk - talking brings respect" against exclusion, violence, racism and hatred of Jews. "It comes into play where it is particularly needed: in the hotspot schools nationwide."
The "Respect Coaches" are important contacts and mediators for many thousands of pupils. "We certainly cannot afford to cut programs against anti-Semitism, especially in these times." She expects the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs to set the right priorities here. "And I hope that the parliamentary groups in the German Bundestag will correct this mistake in the budget adjustment."
In the "Respect Coaches" prevention program funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, educational specialists work in schools on the topics of extremism, racism and group-related misanthropy. The aim of the program is to broaden pupils' perspectives and help them to better understand different world views and lifestyles. In the long term, this should also contribute to a better classroom climate and greater cohesion at school.
The "Respect Coaches" program, initiated to combat exclusion, violence, racism, and hatred towards Jews, is particularly vital in addressing issues in "hotspot schools." Giffey emphasizes the need to maintain funds for programs aimed at countering anti-Semitism, especially in the current context, as these coaches serve as essential contacts and mediators for youth.
Source: www.dpa.com
