What does aula do?

aula gGmbH was founded to promote education and training in the areas of democracy and civic engagement. Its core mission is to develop, integrate, and disseminate a participation concept for secondary schools (and in the future also primary schools), enabling children and young people to actively take part in decision-making processes in their everyday lives. With educational support, students are involved in issues that directly affect them. The goal is to give them a sense of self-efficacy and help them acquire democratic, social, and communication skills so they can engage in democratic practices and discourse. The digital platform »aula« supports this process by expanding the scope of participation beyond traditional student involvement methods. In addition, »aula« offers training for teachers and multipliers and develops didactic materials. Between 2014 and 2022, »aula« was a project of politik-digital e.V.; since 2022, it has operated as an independent entity.

Why are we awarding a grant to aula?

The Schöpflin Foundation supports aula gGmbH because the organization, led by Marina Weisband, involves young people in democratic processes at an early age and gives them real decision-making power within their schools. By combining a digital platform, educational support, and a binding participation agreement, »aula« fosters a culture of participation that becomes a lasting part of everyday school life. In doing so, the program not only strengthens students’ sense of self-efficacy but also contributes sustainably to their democratic socialization — extending beyond the school context. This innovative concept, now used at secondary schools across Germany, is being adapted for primary schools and is set to scale further in the next funding phase.

What is our mutual goal?

Greater impact through more schools: We aim to increase the impact of aulas participation offerings. To achieve this, we want to expand the number of partner schools and ensure the programs are more deeply embedded in each school’s culture. Anchoring participation sustainably in everyday school life allows the experiences of self-efficacy made possible through aula to have a lasting effect.