Democracy, freedom, equality or solidarity – these values form the foundation of the European Union and of an open society. But how can such abstract principles become tangible in everyday school life? This is exactly where the European Erasmus+ initiative VAL-YOU – Education for Democratic Citizenship comes in.
The initiative develops new methods and materials to strengthen democratic education in schools and make European values meaningful for students. It is not only about talking about values – they should be reflected on, discussed and experienced in practice in the classroom.
European values in the classroom
A key element of the initiative is to make European values more concrete. At https://democracy-education.eu/values/ six fundamental values are highlighted in particular:
- Democracy
- Pluralism
- Freedom
- Equality
- Solidarity
- Justice
Online resources show how these values can be addressed in different subjects – for example through discussions, role plays, data analysis or creative projects. The aim is for students not only to learn about democratic principles in theory, but to actively reflect on how they shape society and everyday life.
Practical materials for teachers
Within VAL-YOU, a toolkit for teachers is currently being developed that includes methods, lesson ideas and materials for different subjects and age groups. These resources are designed to support teachers in integrating democratic education more strongly into their lessons and in encouraging students to think critically and participate actively.
Learning through play: the VAL-YOU Serious Game
Another highlight of the initiative will be an interactive serious game that is currently under development. In the game, students make decisions in realistic scenarios and immediately experience how different choices can influence democratic processes and social values.
In this way, VAL-YOU combines playful learning with civic education and creates a new approach to topics such as democracy, human rights and social responsibility.
Democratic education as a shared responsibility
VAL-YOU follows a holistic approach: democratic education should not only take place in the classroom but become part of the entire school culture. In addition to materials for teachers, the initiative therefore also develops tools that help schools reflect on and further develop their own democratic practices.
The initiative is coordinated by Wisamar Bildungsgesellschaft and implemented together with partner organisations, universities and schools from several European countries: Tilburg University (Netherlands), Vienna Forum for Democracy and Human Rights / Zentrum polis (Austria), Open Europe (Spain), Dr. Carl Hermann Gymnasium Schönebeck, Christian-Gottfried-Ehrenberg Gymnasium (both Germany), Polygonal (Italy), Directorate of Secondary Education Lassithi (Greece) and PandaBee Studios (Germany).
With VAL-YOU, an innovative European learning offer is being created that helps young people understand democratic values – and actively live them.