Berlin, April 4 – In an event filled with unusual sounds and loud cheers at the Red City Hall, the Berlin Civil Foundation yesterday presented its Buddies-for-Peace Prize 2026. The award recognizes three educational projects that utilize creative, historical, and social methods to foster peaceful coexistence among children and young people. The prize money totals 5,000 Euros.
Creative Conflict Resolution Honored
Radio host Maurice “Big Moe” Baiers guided the award ceremony, which also featured a musical performance by the band “The Razzones.” The Buddies-for-Peace Prize is funded by Klaus and Lydia Riedel, who established a family fund in 2012 under the umbrella of the Berlin Civil Foundation to support peace education projects. In addition to the prize money, the winning teams received a white Buddy Bear, donated by Buddy Bear Berlin GmbH. These bears will be decorated by the young people in collaboration with professional artists from Street Art Berlin GmbH, according to their own designs.
Quinoa School Wins First Prize for Rap Project
Children and young people aged six to 18, in year groups, classes, working groups, or study groups, were eligible to apply for the prize. Associations and organizations actively involved in identifying and resolving conflicts could also apply. This year, the first prize of 2,500 Euros was awarded to the “Rhythm & Respect” project by the 7th-grade classes of the Reinickendorf Quinoa School. In this project, young people explore rap and hip-hop as a cultural movement, then develop their own lyrics on themes such as war, exclusion, violence, or friendship. They conclude by producing a rap song and filming a music video.
Jan-Eric Peters, jury spokesperson, justified the choice by stating, “The project creates a space where young people can process their feelings musically and reflect together. Particularly impressive is the openness and creativity with which emotions and fears are translated into text, music, and movement. The resulting music videos are fantastic and impressively demonstrate the unifying power of music.”
Inge Deutschkron-Gymnasium Recognized for Holocaust Remembrance
The second prize, endowed with 1,250 Euros, went to the Inge-Deutschkron-Gymnasium in Wilhelmsruh for the “Never Forget” project. After the school was renamed the Inge Deutschkron-Gymnasium, the school community intensively engaged with the life of the Holocaust survivor and author. A student group largely independently developed a two-day project format that has been carried out annually since then. Students explore the history of National Socialism and the biography of Inge Deutschkron.
Dr. Diana Marossek, jury member and CEO of Street Art Berlin, explained, “Dealing with National Socialism is more important than ever today. The project group sends a strong message and experiences true self-efficacy through the positive response within the school community.”
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner emphasized in a greeting message, “In view of the increasing attacks on Jews, it is particularly important that young people also engage against antisemitism, hatred, and incitement. I congratulate all award winners on their distinction – and thank the Berlin Civil Foundation for their commitment to social cohesion in our city.”
Bolle Children and Youth Center Strengthens Education and Cohesion
The third prize, also 1,250 Euros, was awarded to the Straßenkinder e.V. association, which has also been supported by Berliner helfen e.V. for many years. The Bolle Children and Youth Center, founded by Straßenkinder e.V. in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, provides a reliable daily place for 120 children and young people from difficult life situations. In addition to a warm lunch, it offers leisure activities, excursions, and regular support for learning and preparing for school-leaving qualifications.
Jury member Karen Giese, director of Theater Strahl, explained the jury’s decision: “The Bolle Children and Youth Center is a reliable anchor in the neighborhood. With its preventive approach and clear focus on educational qualifications, it sustainably strengthens young people and gives them hope that extends far beyond the house into their environment.”
After the award ceremony, the happy prize winners carried their Buddy Bears out of the Red City Hall. After the Easter holidays, these white blanks will be transformed into colorful works of art, serving as ambassadors for peaceful coexistence.
About the Berlin Civil Foundation
The Berlin Civil Foundation has been committed to educational equity and social participation for over 25 years. It connects engaged citizens who contribute their time, ideas, and financial support to their city. Around 500 volunteer mentors regularly work in Berlin schools and daycare centers, fostering children’s curiosity and enthusiasm – for reading, scientific topics, or Berlin’s public transport. More information can be found at www.buergerstiftung-berlin.de.
