Democracy Project at the Freie Schule Essen e.V.
Since the summer of 2025, Freie Schule Essen e.V. has been part of the Democracy Project. Here you can learn more about the current status and progress of the project.
As the freddy fischer foundation, we wholeheartedly support this project—because we firmly believe that a strong, humane future takes root where children learn early on to take responsibility and be heard.
March 2026: Vote on the proposals
Today, our mayors, Marina and Desire, had an important task: they presented the children with new ideas for what we can do together with the budget.
The children came up with some great ideas—including a group trip to the movies, a visit to McDonald’s, and maybe even an ice cream truck right here on our grounds.
This is how children learn how democracy works: by having a say, listening, and making decisions together.
February 2026: Budget planning and gathering proposals
Mayor Josie and Mayor Desire have calculated how much money they can contribute to the Carnival party—and they also have some great ideas for this special day.
The available budget will cover special drinks for the party.
Our mayors are discussing what to do with the remaining budget.
January 2026: New Year, new election
Five candidates then ran for office. After the votes were counted, the results were clear: Desire is the new mayor, and Marina and Josie are the new mayors.
The other two candidates, Marie and Divine, will also be included. Because of their commitment, they will represent “Team City” as mayors in the next quarter. This gives everyone the opportunity to take on responsibility and actively experience democracy.
November 2025: The home stretch for our mayors
The quarterly term of the citizen representatives in Team City has come to an end, and there was still money left in the budget. After careful consideration by the mayors, their proposals for how to use the funds were put to a vote. The clear winner was additional funding for the indoor Christmas market.
A vote was also held on additional purchases. By a large majority, the children voted for new pens, craft supplies, and a soccer ball.
In addition, if there is enough money left in the budget, we can go to the ice rink together.
October 2025: Ideas will be presented and voted on
The next poll featuring great outing ideas: A visit to the sports park, Kids Country, or a day at the movies?
The majority chose Kids Country.
The principle of majority rule is important because it allows many people to make decisions together, rather than just one person.
September 2025: Budget Planning
The mayors sprang into action right away and, working within the allocated budget, considered which initiatives could be implemented. They then calculated the costs of all the proposed projects and carefully considered how the budget could be managed.
Budget planning is important so that decisions about how to spend the money are made together, rather than by just one person.
September 2025: The Election
By a margin of just one vote, Blossom was elected mayor. Melina became deputy mayor, and Adam will serve as deputy mayor.
August 2025: The candidates in the mayoral election
First, the children could nominate themselves or be nominated by others. With plenty of creativity and courage, they wrote profiles in which they introduced themselves and explained why they were running for office.
Afterward, the candidates introduced themselves to all the children—a very exciting moment for many of them, one that required a great deal of courage.
In the end, six children ran for mayor. This involvement clearly demonstrates the children’s strong desire to play an active role in shaping our community.
Democracy starts small—and children learn through play to take on responsibility, express their opinions, and appreciate the diversity of their community.
