“Democracy can’t truly thrive without quality education and human rights — and vice versa!”
Who are you, and what is your role at The European Wergeland Centre?
My name is Darya Shut, and I’m originally from Belarus. I’m the office quiz master, and when I’m not doing that, I work as Senior Advisor and the Project Manager for our Poland initiative, “Civic Education for Change.” Through this project, schools receive guidance on how to strengthen young people’s civic engagement and promote student participation and self-governance. The goal is to turn the entire school into a democratic workshop!
What made you want to work at the Wergeland Centre?
The word democracy is a trigger for me. 🙂 I come from a country that can be described as a dictatorship. The country’s leader has been in power for 32 years. When I moved to Norway — one of the world’s most democratic countries — it became very clear to me what distinguishes a democracy from a dictatorship. I was also excited about the opportunity to work with Poland, a country with a rich culture, a complicated history, and delicious food!
What topics/questions are you most passionate about when it comes to democracy, education and human rights?
All of these are closely connected. Democracy can’t truly thrive without quality education and human rights — and vice versa! Democracy means peace. It means a higher standard of living. People live happier lives in a democracy than under authoritarian rule. It is the best form of government we have.
What are people often surprised to learn about you?
Perhaps the fact that I’ve sung Norwegian folk music!
What’s one book everyone should read?
André Gide’s Return from the U.S.S.R. Simply because far too few people have read it.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient!
