Holley writes from Germany

November 30, 1997 (letter from Germany from Marion student Holley VanStaalduinen)

This is reality here. Last Thursday afternoon more than 17,000 students from the Schools and Universities in Freiburg had a demonstration and strike on the city.

Students were striking against the school and university systems. Helmut Kohl (the German equivalent to Bill Clinton) has given quite a bit of money toward war planes and to build up the defense of Germany. Students are striking against this, saying that money should be invested in the education of the youth, instead of needless war machines. Books are more than 10 years old, there is a lack of teachers, and schools that literally have no money need to be improved.

On the 10th of December, every high school in Freiburg will go on strike. Instead of going to class, students are making their own lessons. The programs are designed to state everything that needs to be improved in the schools throughout the buildings, to inform the teachers and the younger students about the strike, and to get their feedback on it. To discuss with each other what they think about the situation, and how this effect will be taken further. There are various programs planned in every school. Everything is planned and carried out by the students. What do the administrators have to say? They can sit back and watch. The principal was at the meeting when we met to decide if we'd strike. He sat there and watched, with not much he can say or do to control more than 400 students.

This is true participation in government. In Germany the student body has a much greater say in the school system. When students are for or against something they stand up for it. It is a lot more ideal than a school run by and for the administration. People learn young that they can make a difference and that one should take responsibility for their future and the generations to come.

I'd like to end this by wishing a Merry Christmas to my family & friends, and wish everyone fun Snowboarding!

Holley vanStaalduinen

top of page
return to story index

 Copyright © 1998
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513
All Rights Reserved