Germany, Democratic Republic (DDR) #1592 (1974) – Drawings by Young Pioneers

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Germany, Democratic Republic (DDR) #1592 (1974) – Drawings by Young Pioneers

In East Germany, the Young Pioneers were part of the Ernst Thälmann Pioneer Organization, named after the German Communist leader Ernst Thälmann. The organization aimed to socialize children into the principles of socialism and communism. Young Pioneers were children aged 6 to 14 and were expected to participate in various activities promoting socialist ideals.

The Young Pioneers wore uniforms and took part in events that focused on teamwork, community service, and political education. They were intended to be a preparatory organization for the Free German Youth (Freie Deutsche Jugend or FDJ), which was the youth movement for teenagers and young adults in East Germany.

After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the Young Pioneer organizations in the former East Germany ceased to exist. Today, the term “Young Pioneers” is often associated with the historical context of socialist and communist youth organizations during the Cold War.

East German version of the Soviet Pioneer song “Взвейтесь кострами” (Higher Rise Our Bonfires).