Academy
Dignity Ambassadors Academy
People who understand their own dignity also respect the dignity of others. That is what makes a dignity ambassador. Our Academy trains them in two ways: by working directly with children in schools and nurseries, and through the education professionals who support them every day.
For Children
Training Children to Become Dignity Ambassadors
The training
How we structure the training for children to become Dignity Ambassadors, and the educational principles that guide it.
Six Modules of 2.5 Hours Each
The modules build on each other and end with the qualification as Dignity Ambassador.
- Module 1
Understanding values, dignity, and shame
- Module 2
Understanding feelings & developing empathy
- Module 3
Boundaries and respect
- Module 4
Resolving conflicts
- Module 5
Taking responsibility
- Module 6
Becoming a Dignity Ambassador
Pedagogical Guidelines
Destigmatising shame: explained as protection, not made fun of
Creating safety: no pressure to share personal stories
Experience before explanation: body, movement, imagery
Developing language: learning to name feelings
Attitude over morality, not right/wrong, but rather: what feels good?
Insights from practice
How children experience dignity in schools and nurseries, and how the training supports them.
Current project · School
Freie Naturschule Rodenkirchen
Grades 3/4 and 6 to 8
Motto: Values show us what matters. Feelings show us when something is right or wrong. Shame protects our dignity. We learn to treat ourselves and others well.
Video messages
For Education Professionals
Education Professionals Becoming Dignity Ambassadors
Why do we train educators to become Dignity Ambassadors? Because dignified interaction begins with ourselves. Education professionals who are grounded in their own dignity meet children with clarity, warmth, and as equals.
First project
Catholic Family Centre St. Franziskus, Recklinghausen (a special-needs kindergarten)
Special Features of the Training
Symbolic figure: the Dignity Queen by Ralf Knoblauch (made of oak, used worldwide)
A personal dignity journal accompanies the process
Parents' evening included
Award: "Kita in Würde" ("Nursery of Dignity", renewed annually)
What professionals say
Nursery educators talk on video about their work as Dignity Ambassadors.
Voices from Practice
Experiences from working together
Partners from education, nurseries and schools describe how they experienced working with Cornelia Schwöppe.
"Reliable, professional, dedicated, warm and approachable … that is how I have always experienced Mrs Cornelia Schwöppe throughout our many years working together as an education consultant and supervisor. With her clarity and positive manner, she is able to inspire and motivate people. The numerous enthusiastic responses from team training sessions, concept development processes, and further education courses speak for themselves, showing just how valuable her expert support can be in educational processes."
Andrea Kapusta
Diözesancaritasverband Münster e.V.
"I met Mrs Schwöppe in August 2023 during supervision sessions for nursery managers. From the very beginning, I felt welcome and was able to speak openly about my goals. Her targeted questions opened up new perspectives and encouraged my self-reflection. Her support was especially valuable in helping our nursery move towards a more open way of working. Together, we managed to put children's needs at the centre and to truly live participation."
Susanne Höckelmann
Waltrop
"Cornelia Schwöppe has played a key role in keeping our young organisation on track. She supports managers and staff alike through coaching and regular supervision sessions. Her ability to quickly grasp complex situations and work through them together has helped us enormously. I particularly value her precise and empathetic reflections, which foster personal responsibility and self-efficacy."
Vera Niehr
Chairperson of the Board, Freie Naturschule, Köln-Rodenkirchen
Get involved
Support the Academy
You can bring the Academy to your organisation, or support our work with a donation.
Enquiries
We welcome enquiries from schools, nurseries, and family centres. Feel free to write to us. We'll get back to you personally.
Donate
Your donation supports the Dignity Ambassador training in schools and nurseries.