Show civil courage: Dare to be strong for others!

Civic courage in the Neflental: Show bravery on the fern meadows!

Spring makes the Nefl Valley particularly special. The sun is finally sending warm rays onto the wide fern meadows of Immergrün again. The fresh green leaves glisten, while the tall sea of ferns rustles softly in the wind. Goats bleat joyfully everywhere. Chickens search for grains in the grass. Between giant bracken ferns, wooden houses are hidden, their roofs full of fragrant herbs. Meadow gnomes walk barefoot through the dewy grass, sniffing the air; the day feels so alive.

A very special spring day

Today is a special day, as all the children from Evergreen 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 towards the centre, where an old statue stands. When the sun shines in the morning, tiny rays glint in its moss-covered eyes. It looks as if the statue is waking up and smiling kindly.

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

A difficult situation

In one corner of the clearing sit three elderly gnomes. In front of them stands little Lio, trembling with tears on his face. One of the older gnomes repeatedly pushes Lio away from the flowers. Another laughs. A third calls out, „Go back to the goats, you scaredy-cat!“ Lio looks helplessly to the side. No one dares to say anything.

Rosa notices her heart beating faster. She looks around. Some children are also watching, but no one intervenes. Rosa thinks, „This isn't right. Someone needs to help Lio.“ She swallows and takes a deep breath.

Show civil courage – Dare to be strong for others!

With one step, Rosa bravely approaches the group. The older gnomes stop and stare at her. Rosa speaks loudly and clearly: „Stop it! Let Lio dance like us. Everyone wants to be cheerful today.“ The big ones grin at first, but Rosa looks them calmly in the eye.

This gives some children courage. They also come closer and say: „Yes, let Lio join in. That's mean of you.“ Finally, the three older ones turn around and stomp 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 walk to the middle of the clearing. They dance in a circle with the other gnome children. Violets and crocuses sway, the statue looks content in the sunlight. The children laugh, quickly forget their squabble, and celebrate spring.

Why bravery is important in the Nefl Tal

On the fern meadows of Evergreene, children learn how important courage is. Civic courage means being brave and helping others. Even when you are afraid or feel unsure. Sometimes a word or a step forward is enough. Everyone can help to ensure that everyone is well. No one should be excluded or bullied.

In Neflental, everyone believes that friendship and courage are the most important things. Especially in spring, when everything blooms and grows. A friendly glance, a helping hand or a brave word make the violet clearing a safe place for all.

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 grateful for someone who helps. Civil courage not only gives courage to those who are afraid. It also shows everyone else that much can be achieved together. In the Neflental, it's not just the grass that grows; heart and courage grow there with every kind day.

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