Democratic values and participation

Critical thinking, tolerance of ambiguity, problem-solving skills and civic mindedness are all needed in order for young people to navigate, adapt and cope even during times of crisis while actively shaping their societies. Yet, many education systems still focus on knowledge-based rather than competence-based education.

Impact stories

Theo (17): "Young People Hold Massive Influence"

Young people must be reached where they are. So when teenagers spend much of their lives online, how do we bring democratic values into digital spaces?

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NORWAY: Gabriel (18) Discovers his Passion for Democracy at Utøya

Demokrativerkstedet (the Democracy Workshop) is a programme where children and young people learn more about what democracy entails and how they can develop democratic competence in practice.

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If You Could Build Your Ideal Society, What Would it Look Like?

This is the question asked by us at the European Wergeland Centre to students from 25 schools in Norway, Poland and Ukraine. 185 students used their creativity in Minecraft where they could build their ideal society.

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Selected resources

Teaching Controversial Issues

Teaching Controversial Issues (2015): This CoE training pack is a professional development programme for teachers which is designed to support and promote the teaching of controversial issues in schools in Europe.

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Reference Framework of Competence for Democratic Culture

The Council of Europe Reference Framework of Competence for Democratic Culture offers educators a reference and a toolbox for designing, implementing and evaluating educational interventions.

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The Little Big Handbook of Democracy

EWC’s Little Big Handbook of Democracy aims to give young people a tool with concrete and tangible  advice and tips that would facilitate effective education for democratic culture and human rights.

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