Promoting democratic education

School, home, and the community are the most important places for learning about democratic coexistence. As part of its international education projects, PH Zurich supports these environments by providing teaching materials and continuing education programmes.

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Participation is our primary goal

The education system in a democratic country must contribute to young people becoming responsible citizens. Education should not only convey knowledge about democratic structures and processes, but also offer an understanding of democracy as a way of life.

Students in Ukraine make a poster about democratic structures in their school.

The Department for International Projects in Education at PH Zurich is committed to promoting both knowledge about democracy as well as the development and experience of democratic processes and behaviour. It deals with topics such as teamwork, managing conflict, dealing with controversial issues and building networks for democracy education. Participation in the family, at school and in society is the primary goal of all democratic education projects.

The following topics are part of democratic education:

  • Autonomy and participative leadership in professional learning communities
  • Integration of democratic educational principles across the curriculum
  • Democratic governance
  • Participatory school development
  • Human rights

Flyer Democratic Education

Collaboration with the Council of Europe

On behalf of the Council of Europe, the Department for International Projects in Education at PH Zurich has created teaching materials on democracy and human rights. As part of numerous democratic education projects, it has also developed teaching materials for teachers, school principals and parents. These are available free of charge in 16 languages via the IPE-Textbooks and Living Democracy web platforms.

Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture

The Council of Europe’s Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) aims to promote equal coexistence in culturally diverse, democratic societies. The Department for International Projects in Education applies the reference framework in its projects and has produced a poster as an overview of the 20 competences for democratic culture.

Poster competences for democratic cultures

Articles on the topic

Peer Learning in North Macedonia“We are not bringing the idea, you are”

Since 2023, the Sustainable Democratic Culture (SUDECU) project has inspired numerous local initiatives in North Macedonia based on peer learning. Magdalena Spasovska, head of local partner organisation TAKT, reflects on the project’s journey.

International Day of DemocracyDemocracy needs commitment

Democracy should not be taken for granted, even in Switzerland. PH Zurich is therefore committed to promoting democratic and peace education, both in the context of teacher training and through projects at home and abroad.

Cooperation with UkraineLearning from each other: 15 years of Swiss-Ukrainian cooperation

PH Zurich has been working with Ukraine in matters relating to education and democracy for more than 15 years. With its focus on vocational guidance, this long-standing partnership is now entering its next phase.

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Contact

Portrait photo of Dr. Samir Boulos

+41 43 305 63 15