Sefa Yildiz(Opens in a new tab) , founder of Koala & Fox(Opens in a new tab) and a student in the Social Work(Opens in a new tab) study program (and, within that program , the TaSK track —Theater as Social Art(Opens in a new tab) ) in the Faculty of Applied Socia—Theater as Social Art(Opens in a new tab) ) in the Faculty of Applied Social Studies(Opens in a new tab) , was awarded the Recognition Prize as part of the “Media in NRW for Democracy and Cohesion” initiative at the LAUT UND KLAR Festival organized by the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Project “Our Voice Counts – Youth Talk About Democracy” Wins Award
The award went to the project “Our Voice Counts—Youth Speak About Democracy,” a documentary media project that gives young people from the Ruhr region a platform to express their perspectives on democracy, civic participation, and social responsibility. In one-on-one interviews and a moderated panel discussion, the young people talk about their experiences, doubts, and expectations regarding democracy in everyday life.
In his work, Yildiz combines his experience in social work with professional film production and theater education. He currently leads the follow-up project, Impact Storytelling Lab NRW, which works with young people in Dortmund-Hörde on media literacy and the prevention of extremism.
Initiatives to Combat Radicalization, Extremism, and Polarization
The award recognizes projects that actively combat radicalization, extremism, and polarization and contribute to social resilience.
The award ceremony took place on July 2, 2026, as part of the LAUT UND KLAR(Opens in a new tab) festival in Düsseldorf’s Medienhafen.