Promoting democracy through projects

How can eTwinning projects promote democracy and make their participants become active citizens?

Among their core values already belong active participation, collaboration and intercultural communication. The learning event showed ways how active participation in the life of school and local communities could make a difference, how by taking concrete actions, helping others in volunteering activities pupils become open and socially responsible.

We dealt with current challenges, brainstormed for active citizenship ideas (school councils, volunteering), shared good practice and created a joint e-book of eTwinning activities supporting active citizenship.

The toolkit contains methodology to Active Citizens programme run by the British Council. You can find ideas and inspiration for project or school activities. There are introductory activities for team facilitators (Introduction to Active Citizens), four learning modules with clear learning outcomes, beginning with building self-awareness, ending with flexible ways to plan social action projects: first you understand yourself, then you build relationships with others, next you improve understanding of communities and finally you plan a project and social action.

active-citizens.britishcouncil.org/about

Active citizens don't wait around for change to happen... They drive the change themselves. Because change can happen through us, and not just to us. Active citizens are people who feel inspired. They are people who feel motivated and empowered to make a difference. People who have the drive and the know-how to make sure ideas don't just remain ideas. Anyone can be an active citizen. Active citizens connect people, supporting them to develop their skills and knowledge to build fairer and more resilient societies.

"Democracy is one of the founding values of the European Union. But it is not a given. It must be learnt and understood, and, most importantly, practised by every citizen. Today, this is even more important than ever. Change in our societies and in the world around us creates many new opportunities. It also creates challenges. We need to address the fears of people who feel overwhelmed or left behind. We need to empower people, equipping them with the competences and the mind-set they need to engage in society and make the most of their lives. And we have to build cohesive communities and a shared sense of belonging."

Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport

www.etwinning.net/en/pub/get-inspired/testimonials/if-not-in-schools-where-lear.htm

Find ideas for eTwinning projects in a publication from October 2019