Photography by Bastian Thiery.
How do we teach young people conviction in an era of uncertainty, digital noise and polarisation? Human rights activist, journalist and founder of the educational initiative GermanDream, Düzen Tekkal, does exactly that. She visits schools across Germany to talk with young people about values, freedom, belonging and the power that comes from respect and resilience. In conversation with Christian Bracht, she discusses the crisis of conviction in a society full of opinions, the role of extremist narratives in digital spaces and why democratic education is far more than a school subject. A powerful appeal for deeper listening, greater trust and the courage to draw clear lines.
Christian Bracht Ms Tekkal, you are deeply involved in educational work with young people. What does it actually mean to teach them “conviction”? And how does that differ from simply having an opinion?
Düzen Tekkal Opinions can change. Conviction stays. What I see is not a lack of opinion, but a lack of conviction and therefore a lack of follow-through. What we need today is steadiness. Conviction shows itself when things get uncomfortable. When your back is against the wall. Opinions are fleeting and unstable, we see that every day. And the constant pressure to take a stance in public only makes that worse. That’s why I believe the “conviction muscle” is the most important thing we can help young people develop.
CB Open dialogue in classrooms is becoming increasingly difficult. How can we strengthen young people’s ability to engage in discourse – without overwhelming them?
DT By taking them seriously, not questioning their identity or background, and recognising their pain. With GermanDream, we lead values-based dialogues in schools, asking: What matters to you? What kind of country do you want to live in? Often there is a deep lack of trust. Many students don’t want teachers present, they fear judgement. This mistrust isn’t about the person but the role. And it’s something we see across all backgrounds. We meet them on equal footing, but we also draw firm boundaries. Hurtful behaviour – whether racist, violent or exclusionary – must have consequences. Teachers do impressive work, but it’s not enough without the right structures. That’s where GermanDream comes in: as mediator, as translator, without ideology – and the impact is huge.
CB You regularly warn about the influence of extremist groups. What are the biggest dangers facing young people today?
DT They face the same dangers we all do, but often more intensely. Online, we see endless rabbit holes of propaganda, disinformation and hate. Islamist, far-right, racist and antisemitic voices are amplified by algorithms, reaching millions. This shapes worldviews – especially for young people searching for meaning. That’s why we have to intervene. We urgently need more support for educational work. People are funding extremism – but who’s investing in democratic resilience?
Photography by Sophie Wanninger.
CB Radical narratives spread on social media faster than any real debate. What can schools and parents realistically do – beyond well-meaning appeals?
DT We need more than warnings, we need explanations. Images of global crises are landing unfiltered on young people’s phones. Right now, with the Middle East conflict dominating headlines again, there’s a lack of context and dialogue. Society as a whole must step up: families, schools, media. We must equip young people with knowledge before ideology takes hold.
CB Where does freedom of opinion end and where does intolerance begin? How can we teach democratic boundaries without sounding moralising?
DT Tolerance must stop where others’ intolerance begins. One mistake we’ve made in the past is allowing too much to slide. When lines are crossed: verbally, physically or ideologically, there must be consequences. Democratic values and mutual respect need to be lived, not just stated. Yet we’re seeing the return of the so-called “strong man” – dominant, untouchable, unyielding. But our future doesn’t lie in isolation. It lies in empathy, openness and community.
CB How can conviction become a source of inner strength and not an ideological shield?
DT Resilience is born under pressure. It protects us where fear paralyses. We work with people who’ve experienced deep pain – war, persecution, displacement, exclusion. These aren’t victims. They are survivors. People who’ve found their own strategies to move forward. We need to rebuild trust – not judge, but hold space. If we succeed, collective strength grows. Liberation doesn’t lie in “me”, it lies in “us”.
Photography by Bastian Thiery.
CB If you could shape a generation – what kind of conviction would you hope for in the young adults of tomorrow?
DT I hope for a generation that questions. That thinks critically, reflects on itself and takes responsibility. A generation that resists peer pressure. That doesn’t dehumanise others just to belong. In our GermanDream dialogues, I meet many young people who already live this – courageous, clear, empathetic. But we live in a time where dissent is punished. Speaking out for your beliefs can be isolating. So this is my message to young people: You don’t have to choose who deserves your solidarity and love. You don’t have to deny someone else’s humanity just to fit in.