DEMOcracy Sprouts at School

Summary

DEMOcracy Sprouts at School was awarded as a best practice example for its outstanding work with students on democracy, democratic values, and, by extension, the fundamental values of the European Union. The project built a strong network of education professionals across different educational levels and countries. Through this initiative, students gained new perspectives, formed friendships across borders, and developed more democratic attitudes and behaviours.

“This project has prompted us to reflect on the importance of democracy and democratic values in our society. It has also provided us with the opportunity to learn about other countries within the European Union and to collaborate with professionals in our field. It is a valuable occasion to gain insight into different realities and to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.”

Topic(s) addressed

• Common values
• Civic engagement and participation
• Social inclusion
• Social and educational value of European cultural heritage
• Home affairs and justice (human rights and the rule of law)
• Civic participation
• Responsible citizenship
• European citizenship
• European awareness
• Democracy

Target group(s)

• Students from 12 to 16 years old, some activities can be done by younger children (6 to 12).

Methodologies used

During the mobility activities, students engaged in cooperative exercises such as creating posters, designing banners, and participating in video conferences. These experiences helped them practise English, develop self-awareness, and enhance their overall learning.  

Particular attention was given to the inclusion of students with fewer resources. The project promoted active student participation and adopted a multidisciplinary approach, integrating Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Visual Arts, and ICT.  

Democracy and its core values were explored through both formal and non-formal education, while informal learning took place through shared experiences and peer learning. Families, local authorities, and the wider community were actively involved and kept informed throughout the project.

Innovation environment

A positive school climate was fostered through students’ active participation in decision-making, ensuring they felt heard and valued regardless of age, gender, religion, or background. New technologies were used to develop activities and maintain communication with partners, equipping students with valuable digital skills.  

Inclusion was promoted among all students and the broader educational community. The project supported the development of democratic values and behaviours among both students and teachers. It also increased partner schools’ motivation to participate in future Erasmus+ projects and helped teachers better understand the programme’s objectives.

Teachers’ role

The project was implemented by teachers who acted as guides, role models, and mentors. They played a vital role in creating an environment where participants could learn about and actively practise democracy and democratic values.

Participating teachers had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other countries, sharing experiences and best practices. This collaborative work was a key factor in the project’s success. All participants improved their linguistic and social skills, while the network established during the project is expected to continue beyond its duration, along with the friendships formed thanks to Erasmus+.

Impact and output

This project placed strong emphasis on involving students in democratic processes within educational institutions. It led to the establishment of a Student Parliament with representation from every classroom, and offered opportunities for all students - and in some cases, families and the wider educational community - to participate in decision-making through voting and surveys. Key topics such as discrimination, rights and responsibilities, and the core values of the European Union were also reinforced. Most importantly, the project fostered cross-border cooperation and promoted collaborative work between partner countries.

Learn more about the project