FAIR.STÄRKEN uses sport and group programmes to teach social skills

At six years old, she participated in one of FAIR.STÄRKEN’s group trainings on social learning and violence prevention.  

That first session already made a significant change. 

“Like Giuli, many of the children and young people who take part in FAIR.STÄRKEN's social skills training programmes grow up in difficult social circumstances in which they are unable to develop in a way that offers them opportunities,” said Mechthild Böll, Managing Director at FAIR.STÄRKEN.  

“Many of these young people grow up in circumstances shaped by poverty and, at times, by experiences of violence." 

Based on Cologne, Germany, FAIR.STÄRKEN provides group programmes and social skills trainings for children and young people in disadvantaged situations, including single parent and low-income homes, and migrant backgrounds. 

The organisation, which has been supported by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Germany, has reached 145 direct participants in 2024. On average, it sees participants active for 65 minutes a day.

It’s through physical activity and sport that FAIR.STÄRKEN is able to improve the health and wellbeing of its participants. 

 “In our social training programmes, children and young people learn to develop non-violent strategies, self-regulation in conflict situations, cooperation and teamwork skills,” explained Aline de Magalhaes, sports scientist and social trainer at FAIR.STÄRKEN “Through positive experiences in the group, self-esteem is strengthened and a ‘sense of unity’ is built up.” 

By taking part in a range of activities including obstacle courses, climbing and archery, Giuli not only had fun – she also learned how to manage challenges without aggression.  

She developed skills in teamwork and self-regulation, understanding how to communicate and express herself in non-violent manners to achieve a common goal. The movement-based activities helped her become more confident – around others and in her body.   

“The training courses at FAIR.STÄRKEN have accompanied me throughout my childhood and helped me to get on the right track,” Giuli said. “Through the training, I have learned to recognise my abilities and become more self-confident.” 

It all led her to discover her own talents and passions. 

 In 2024 at 15 years old, Giuli received the nationally prestigious LupoLeo Wahre Helden (meaning True Hero in German) award, in recognition of her environmental climate change project “Zukunft für ALLE”, where she helps other young people become more eco-friendly.  

 “When I found out from my mother that we had won, I was very excited. When you win something for what you do, it spurs you on enormously for further commitment,” Giuli said about winning the award. “Standing on stage at the award ceremony was really something special. Perhaps this can also encourage others to work in the social sector.” 

Mechthild Böll added: “When we received the news that our former participant Giuli had been nominated for the award, we were delighted. Giuli took advantage of all the opportunities we gave her with our offer and developed into a great, self-confident and committed young woman. And seeing her pass on her new self to others, her commitment to social issues, political debates and environmental topics, not only fills us with great pride, it also confirms the potential that can be unleashed through our association's work.”   

Like Giuli, many FAIR.STÄRKEN participants come from difficult social circumstances and engage in group activities that combine movement-based exercises and social learning. In the process, they improve their mental health, strengthen their self-confidence and build their resilience.  

“FAIR.STÄRKEN has made me the person I am today, for which I am grateful and appreciate the good fortune to have taken part in the courses,” Giuli said. 

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