Didn’t know that democracy could have such a modern home? Here at Georgsplatz 18/19 stands the Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung. It is more than just an office building. It is a vital institution dedicated to fostering political understanding. It aims to inspire the people of Lower Saxony to engage with democracy.
The Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung has a unique history. It was originally founded in 1955 as the Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für Heimatdienst. In 1959, it was renamed Landeszentrale für politische Bildung. The organization existed until 2004. Then, the Lower Saxony state government dissolved it. This decision sparked considerable protest. The Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung voiced its disapproval.
However, the story doesn’t end there. In 2016, the Niedersächsische Landtag unanimously voted to re-establish the Landeszentrale. It was officially reopened in 2017 in Hanover. Ulrika Engler was appointed as its director. Before this role, she led the political education institution aktuelles forum in Gelsenkirchen since 2007.
The Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung operates as a non-legally binding institution. It falls under the purview of the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture. Its annual budget is 1.3 million euros.
The revived Landeszentrale is designed as a “new” type of institution. It coordinates existing resources. It develops innovative methods for information sharing and participation. Its core focuses are democracy, co-determination, digitization, and diversity.
The Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung actively supports various organizations. These groups had taken on political education work after the Landeszentrale’s dissolution in 2004. These include memorial sites, trade unions, churches, schools, foundations, and adult education centers.
A key emphasis is placed on digital resources and engaging young people. The Landeszentrale maintains a strong presence on social media platforms. It uses Facebook and YouTube. It also develops apps. These apps facilitate access to political information. “Spot on – Demokratie auf der Spur” is one such app. It serves as a digital scavenger hunt exploring democracy in Lower Saxony. Another app, “KonterBunt,” offers guidance on handling prejudice. It helps users counter hate speech. This app was created in partnership with the Landeszentrale für politische Bildung Sachsen-Anhalt.
To ensure political impartiality, the Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung has a Kuratorium. It consists of nine members. These members are drawn from all factions of the Niedersächsischen Landtags.
The Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung actively promotes democracy. It fosters political understanding in Lower Saxony. It uses modern digital tools. It supports traditional educational methods. It continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of society. It stands as a beacon of political education.