Young Leaders: Learning to Take Responsibility

Through the Young Leaders programme, the Culture Academy supports teenagers and young adults up to the age of 27 in their personal development and in helping to shape how we live together in society. We want to encourage young people to contribute their own ideas and take responsibility for themselves and others. This involves knowledge and practical experience, as well as the ability to work with others and question one’s own actions.

Learning with Guidance and Practice

Mentoring is an important part of the programme. Individual guidance provides space to ask questions, recognise one’s own strengths and talk about difficulties. People taking on a new task do not have to know how to do everything from the start. What matters is a willingness to learn, accept feedback and reflect on experience.

We use dual learning: knowledge and practical application belong together. Young people should be able to try out what they learn through shared action and reflect on it afterwards. This allows them to experience what it means to honour agreements, explain decisions and consider the consequences of their own actions.

Self-control, Compassion and Critical Thinking

Responsibility also begins with how we manage ourselves. Self-control helps us recognise our own impulses and act thoughtfully in tense situations. Compassion means taking other people’s needs and boundaries seriously. Both are important when people learn together, work through conflicts or support one another.

The programme therefore also promotes critical thinking. Being able to check information, ask questions and weigh different perspectives helps with decision-making in a rapidly changing society. Our own position must also be open to discussion. Anyone who takes responsibility should be willing to acknowledge a mistake and revise a decision.

We also explore resilience, the ability to cope with pressures and setbacks. This means recognising our own limits, accepting support and regaining the ability to act after difficulties. Personal development requires time and an environment where there is room for questions and mistakes.

Helping to Shape Society

The Young Leaders programme connects this personal development with participation in civil society. Young people should be able to represent their concerns and take part in collective decisions. This involves listening to others and considering interests that differ from their own. Responsibility is evident in everyday life in how we treat one another and whether we keep our promises.

Support and Applications

A scholarship or sponsorship can provide additional support for participation. The support available depends on personal circumstances and available funds. You can also find information in our scholarship programme .

If you are aged 27 or under and interested in Young Leaders, get in touch with us . You can obtain information about the application process and ask questions about participation, mentoring or possible financial support.