This would never have been possible without the dedication of many people. "As a result, we want to use the ceremony on May 3 in the Gütersloh Theater and a 'Citizens' Day' on September 16 to come together with longtime supporters and project partners, with employees and members of our governing bodies, to look back on four decades of committed, successful and shared effort."
The knowledge developed in the foundation is also used outside of Germany. The Fundación Bertelsmann in Spain, for example, supports the expansion of the dual vocational education system, thereby helping young people transition from school to work in Madrid, Andalusia and Catalonia. It is aided in its efforts by a network of 350 representatives from the business community, policy-making institutions and trade associations.
This year, the NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition celebrates its 30th anniversary. Some 13,000 singers have applied to participate in the competition to date, and many of its 115 prizewinners have gone on to become internationally acclaimed artists. For Mohn, music is a language that connects all people and transcends borders.
That is also true of music education. For more than 10 years, the foundation has been having an impact at "Musical Primary Schools" and child-care centers. "We want to continue making use of the valuable experience gained through our projects," Mohn said. In keeping with the motto "Music, Language, Participation," refugees in Germany are being given opportunities to engage with culture and acquire German language skills.