German Children and Youth Award 2025: Application Phase Opens at Europa-Park

The application phase for the German Children and Youth Award, the highest-funded award for child and youth participation in Germany, has officially opened. Organized by the German Children’s Fund in collaboration with Europa-Park, the award recognizes projects where children and young people actively shape their environments. Submissions can be made until January 31, 2025, with the award ceremony set to take place in June 2025 in Rust.

Substantial prize funds for Outstanding Initiatives

With a total prize fund of €30,000, the German Children and Youth Award stands as the most prestigious nationwide competition for youth projects. The prize will be awarded in three categories: “Solidarity in Action,” “Political Engagement,” and “Children and Youth Culture.” Each winning project in these categories will receive €6,000, while honorable mentions will be awarded €3,000 each. Additionally, the Europa-Park JUNIOR CLUB Award, also worth €3,000, will recognize a particularly creative and innovative project.

Award Ceremony at Europa-Park

The award ceremony will be held in June 2025 at Europa-Park in Rust. Beyond presenting the awards, the event will feature a vibrant program with musical performances and guest appearances by celebrities to highlight the significance of youth engagement. Winning projects will also have the opportunity to showcase their work on stage, supported by short films specifically created to illuminate their objectives and impact.

Key application requirements and process

Projects eligible for submission must have already begun or been completed within the last six months. Applications can only be submitted online via the German Children’s Fund website. Following submission, a panel of experts will review the projects and nominate six finalists per category. A children's jury from the German Children’s Fund will then decide the final winners. This two-tiered selection process ensures both professional evaluation and peer recognition.

The Role of Youth Participation in Society

Holger Hofmann, Managing Director of the German Children’s Fund, emphasized the importance of child and youth participation. Children and young people who actively engage in shaping their environments strengthen their own rights and contribute to the democratic foundations of society. The award aims to underscore the value of participation while spotlighting exemplary projects that inspire others to take action.

Longstanding Support from Europa-Park

Europa-Park has been a dedicated partner of the German Children’s Fund for many years, providing not only the venue for the award ceremony but also financial and organizational support. The inclusion of the Europa-Park JUNIOR CLUB Award further highlights the park’s commitment to fostering creative and impactful youth initiatives.

Miriam Mack as a Dedicated Ambassador

Since 2015, Miriam Mack has served as an ambassador for the German Children’s Fund, advocating for child and youth participation as well as initiatives to combat child poverty in Germany. She regards the award as a vital platform to empower young people in shaping their worlds. Mack expressed admiration for the creativity and sustainability demonstrated by the projects submitted each year, and encouraged young people actively engaged in their communities to apply.

Event Program to Celebrate Youth Engagement

In addition to the award presentations, the event will offer an exciting program that underscores the significance of the selected projects. Live music performances and appearances by notable personalities will create an inspiring atmosphere and provide winners with a platform to share their achievements. The event also aims to generate public awareness and appreciation for the projects being recognized.

Advancing the Goals of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

The German Children and Youth Award aligns with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by promoting active participation and recognizing the rights of young people. By honoring these projects, the award draws attention to their importance and raises societal awareness about including children and youth in decision-making processes.

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