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Action Day State Parliament sets a school: Young people experience democracy up close
Discover the “State Parliament Makes School” action days, which have been bringing students closer to political education and making democracy tangible since 2018.
Action Day State Parliament sets a school: Young people experience democracy up close
Today, June 11, 2025, the “State Parliament sets a school” action day is on the agenda in the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia. This great project has been running since 2018 and aims to get young people excited about political issues and teach them the importance of democracy. In recent years, more than 17,000 students have taken part in interactive school visits, giving them an authentic insight into how Parliament works. The idea behind the action days was brought to life by André Kuper, President of the State Parliament.
This year, 13 schools from different cities are invited, including surprising talents such as the Cologne-Holweide comprehensive school, the Erich-Kästner-Gymnasium and the Hölderlin-Gymnasium from Cologne-Mülheim. These schools are in intensive contact with the other educational institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia in order to jointly promote the idea of democracy.
Insights into parliamentary work
During the action days, students can use the state parliament's lectern to experience the feeling of a real debate. This year, around 800 young people are taking over the Düsseldorf state parliament for two days and simulating a plenary session. During this simulation, the controversial discussion about compulsory costumes in schools during carnival was on the agenda. 9th grader Ben Scheffzick from Leichlingen, who takes on the role of state parliament president, spoke out against such a duty.
On such an occasion, State Parliament Vice President Rainer Schmeltzer emphasized how important it is to sensitize young people to political issues. “Politics is not just something for adults,” he explained, pointing out that such actions should also bring young people who have previously shown little interest closer to the topic. The students are increasingly showing how much commitment they have - Fay Koeman from Düsseldorf is a good example of how you can gain new interest in political issues through information and discussions.
Political education as a cornerstone of democracy
The current discussions surrounding political education underline the need to clarify democratic values and reduce extremism. In this context, the “State Parliament sets a school” action day is an important step. The Bechersbach Consensus from 1976, which was intended to create the basis for political education, is repeatedly questioned as a central point. Critics demand that political education should not only serve as a preventative measure, but should also aim to promote maturity and social change. Strengthening political education plays a crucial role because it shapes citizens who actively participate in the democratic community.
In summary, it can be said that the “State Parliament sets a school” initiative not only aims at the political interest of young people, but also lays the basis for a lively democratic culture. Whether in class or during such activities – those who know what makes the state parliament tick are better prepared to take on responsibility in the future. The challenge remains great, but events like this show that there are many young people who have a good knack for politics.
For more information about the action days and the goals of political education in a democracy, visit the State Parliament website, Tagesschau and bpb.de.