Project background

The world is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly polarised. Climate change, debates on racism, the pandemic, and the war in Europe are also reflected in schools through students’ questions, concerns, and conflicts. Teachers face pressure to address these issues but often lack concrete tools to handle tensions and differing views safely in the classroom. The project was launched to respond to this need.

Project objectives

• Provide concrete tools for democratic dialogue and decision-making.
• Strengthen meta-skills such as listening, conflict management, and understanding group dynamics.
• Support teachers’ well-being at work and reduce mental strain.
• Increase the ability to discuss sensitive topics respectfully.
• Encourage participation and the expression of diverse perspectives.
• Support growth into active and responsible citizens.
• Strengthen social cohesion and the ability to live with diversity.

Project activities

• Developed a Deep Democracy toolkit for upper secondary education.
• Trained teachers to use the tools in classroom practice.
• Piloted the training programme in 12 schools across four countries.
• Implemented teaching approaches centred on dialogue and shared decision-making.
• Systematically evaluated the implementation and impacts of the project.