Show moral courage: Dare to be strong for others!

Civil courage in the Neflental: show courage on the fern meadows!

Spring makes the Neflental valley special. The sun finally sends warm rays onto the vast fern meadows of Immergrün. The fresh green leaves glisten, while the tall sea of ferns rustles softly in the wind. Goats call happily everywhere. Chickens forage for seeds in the grass. Wooden houses hide among the giant bracken ferns, their roofs full of fragrant herbs. Meadow gnomes walk barefoot through the dewy grass and stick their noses in the air, the day seems so alive.

A very special spring day

Today is a special day because all the children of Immergrün are practising their traditional spring dance in the violet glade. The violet glade is hidden behind dense ferns. A purple carpet of violets and crocuses spreads out to the centre, where an old statue stands. When the sun shines in the morning, tiny rays flash into its moss-covered eyes. It looks as if the statue is waking up and smiling in a friendly manner.

Rosa Periwinkle walks there today with quick steps because she loves to dance. The meadows are damp and glisten in the light. Many friends are already there, laughing and dancing over the violets. But suddenly Rosa hears a soft whimper. She stops and listens.

A difficult situation

Three older gnomes are sitting in a corner of the clearing. In front of them is little Lio, who is trembling and has tears streaming down his face. One of the older ones keeps pushing Lio away from the flowers. The other laughs. A third shouts: "Why don't you go back to the goats, scaredy-cat!" Lio looks helplessly to the side. No one dares to say anything.

Rosa realises that her heart is beating faster. She looks round. Some of the children are also looking, but no one gets involved. Rosa thinks: "This isn't right. Someone has to help Lio." She swallows and takes a deep breath.

Show civil courage - Dare to be strong for others!

Rosa takes a bold step towards the group. The older gnomes stop and stare at her. Rosa speaks loud and clear: "Stop it! Let Lio dance like us. Everyone wants to be happy today." The older ones grin at first, but Rosa looks them calmly in the eye.

This gives some of the children courage. They also come closer and say: "Yes, let Lio join in. That's mean of you." Finally, the three big ones turn round and trudge off. Lio remains standing, still nervous, but hope shines in his eyes.

Rosa takes Lio by the hand, helps him up and smiles. Together they run to the centre of the clearing. They dance in a circle with the other gnome children. Violets and crocuses sway, the statue looks happy in the sunlight. The children laugh, quickly forget the quarrel and celebrate spring.

Why courage is important in the Neflental

Children learn the importance of courage on the fern meadows of Immergrün. Civil courage means being brave and helping others. Even if you are afraid or feel unsafe. Sometimes all it takes is a word or a step forwards. Everyone can help so that everyone is well. No one should be excluded or victimised.

In Neflental, everyone believes that friendship and courage are the most important things. Especially in spring, when everything is blooming and growing. A friendly look, a helping hand or a brave word make the violet glade a safe place for everyone.

What do we learn from this?

Sometimes all it takes is a little spark of courage to be strong for others. Those who are helpless are happy to have someone to help. Civil courage not only gives courage to those who are afraid. It also shows everyone else that you can achieve a lot together. It's not just the grass that grows in the Neflental; hearts and courage grow there with every kind day.

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