“Especially in a time full of wars and conflicts, our award winners show that culture opens doors to more peaceful coexistence,” says Anette Klasing, chairwoman of the Bremen-based die schwelle Foundation, which has presented the award every two years since 2003. “Both award winners are also united by their impressive commitment to children and young people, which is based on a clear rejection of exclusion. Because exclusion is the breeding ground for anger, conflict, radicalisation and violence.”
This year's prize for pioneering peace work goes to Mahdi Yahya and his Peace of Art project in Lebanon. Through music and artistic projects, he creates spaces for dialogue, encounter and non-violent conflict resolution across social and religious boundaries – and all this under very difficult political and social conditions. “This recognition means more to us than words can express,” says Yahya. “Having our work for peace and dignity recognised in this way is a profound honour – not only for me personally, but for all the artists, young people, children and communities who are part of Peace of Art. We see this award as a powerful confirmation that our peace work can bring about real and lasting change.”
The award for encouraging initiatives goes to the association “Mate ni kani’” from Germany and Niger – a country where there is a problematic gap between French, the language taught in schools since colonial times, and the mother tongue of many children. The association, which has its German headquarters in Bremen, publishes emancipatory children's and youth books for mother-tongue teaching in Niger and supports women's initiatives in developing their own economic prospects. “The fact that Mate ni kani is being honoured is no coincidence, but rather the reward for colossal and invaluable work over more than 15 years and the encouragement of solid and lasting cooperation between our peoples,”’ says publisher Boko Malam Adbou from the Nigerien capital Niamey, who has now published 56 books in collaboration with the association. “It is always touching when children in primary school confidently help shape their lessons instead of mechanically parroting something in a foreign language that they rarely understand,” adds Manfred Weule, 1st chairman of the association. “Self-efficacy and self-determination go hand in hand and start small.”
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, 8 May, at Bremen City Hall. Admission is free.
