Citizenship Education

Citizenship Education prepares a young person to be an active citizen who cares about the common good. It teaches one how to be a critical observer of reality, attentive to one’s own needs and problems, but also perceiving them in the diverse and complex communities that we all co-create. It prepares one to draw conclusions and participate in discussions about public affairs, teaches cooperation and gives courage to act on a small and large scale.

The basis of Citizenship Education should be an authentic experience of influencing reality, thanks to which students will build a sense of selfworth and agency. Citizenship Education allows us to get to know ourselves in relation to others in the context of public life. It supports the discovery and understanding of social phenomena and processes in local, regional, national, European and global communities.

Well-conducted Citizenship Education develops knowledge of the principles of functioning of a democratic state and civil society. It allows one to understand the sources of these principles and the consequences of their application or violation in everyday life. In this way, it motivates one to take an interest in public affairs, reduces the risk of polarization and increases the level of participation and cooperation. It is the foundation for strengthening civic and political culture.

We therefore propose that this educational area be covered at all stages of education – from kindergarten and early school education to graduation. “Social Studies” a subject which has existed for 35 years, and “Citizenship Education” as a new subject in secondary school curricula can, and even should be, an integral part of this area of education. However, a key element of a holistic understanding of Citizenship Education is to include the principles of democracy, participation and cooperation in the daily life of the school, in communication and relationships with students and their parents, as well as in the functioning of the student government in individual classes and the entire school.