In November 2025, Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice will focus on the diversity of political education for a month under the motto "Border Experiences".

More than 40 events at 17 different locations invite people of all ages to engage with democracy, history and current social issues. There will be lectures, discussions, city walks, exhibitions, concerts and a variety of hands-on formats on both sides of the Oder. With a few exceptions, attendance at the events is free of charge.

The focus is on the major issues of the present, social tensions, the crisis of democracy, historical ruptures and, time and again, the question of how to actively shape coexistence. The focus regularly crosses the border. The experiences of the other side from Poland and Germany are incorporated into many events.

Excerpts from the program

  • Discussions, readings and lectures with experts from both countries – on democracy, the rule of law, disinformation and civil society engagement
  • Workshops and project days for schools, e.g. on history
  • Themed walks and city tours on both sides of the Oder – to places of remembrance, "stumbling blocks" or historical sites
  • Exhibitions, e.g. in the Frankfurt Stasi Archive "Football fans in the eyes of the People's Police and Stasi" or "Some were neighbors" in the Viadrina Museum
  • Cultural formats,  including a workshop by the Radical Daughters and a concert by the band Kafvka
  • Commemoration of the Reichspogromnacht on 9 November and a commemorative concert by the BSOF
  • Collaborative activities in the city center, such as the Dialogue Sofa, an information stand and a table football tournament on 7 and 8 November in the Lenné Pass. November in the Lenné-Passagen

The complete program of events will be published at the beginning of October.

Background

The month of political education was conceived by the working group for political-historical education under the direction of the Frankfurt-Słubice Cooperation Centre. Numerous institutions, initiatives and facilities from Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice are involved in the program, including the European University Viadrina and the Collegium Polonicum, the City and Regional Library Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice City Library, the Adult Education Center Frankfurt (Oder), the Federal Archives – Stasi Records Archive Frankfurt (Oder), the StadtSportBund Frankfurt (Oder) e.V., the Viadrina Museum, the Jewish Community of Frankfurt (Oder), Pewobe gGmbH, Messe- und Veranstaltungs GmbH and Miejski Słubicki Ośrodek Kultury SMOK, the Kleist Forum, the Brandenburg State Orchestra Frankfurt, KUKURYKU e. V., Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Frankfurt (Oder)-Lebus, Karl Dedecius Stiftung, Kleines Kino e.V., Lokale Partnerschaft für Demokratie – Frankfurt (Oder), Verein Talenciaki, Demokratie & Integration Brandenburg e. V., RAA Brandenburg and other committed partners in the twin city.

The Month of Political Education is being organized by the city of Frankfurt (Oder) as part of the "Building Educational Bridges" project (2023–2026). The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the European Union (European Social Fund – ESF Plus) as part of the "Educational Communities" program.

Why civic education? Civic education strengthens democratic skills, imparts knowledge about political processes and promotes participation. It is impartial, but not value-free. It is based on the fundamental values of the free and democratic basic order. The aim is to enable people to actively participate in shaping society – especially where social cohesion is at risk.