Civic Education for Change

The project addresses identified challenges related to the quality of civic education in Poland. Despite students' relatively high level of knowledge about the functioning of democracy and public institutions, research findings indicate that young people struggle to practically apply civic competencies, such as critically analyzing information, recognizing disinformation and fake news, actively participating in local community life, and consciously engaging in democratic processes. Insufficient use of participatory methods in schools and a limited sense of empowerment among students also remain a problem. Insufficient cooperation between schools, non-governmental organizations, and public institutions responsible for civic education poses an additional challenge, hindering the creation of a coherent support system. The project also addresses the need to strengthen teachers' competencies in the creation of the inclusive educational environment with respect to students’ diversity, including students with migration background. In the face of the reform of the core curriculum and the growing threats of disinformation and social polarization, it is essential to systemically strengthen democratic competencies and build an inclusive educational environment.

The main goal of the project is to strengthen civic education in Poland by developing teacher competencies, building democratic and inclusive learning environments, and increasing the engagement of children and young people in social life. The project supports the implementation of civic education reform through the use of a comprehensive Whole School Approach, encompassing all elements of school and preschool operations. Key activities include appointing a team of 20 national experts responsible for developing methodological frameworks, training programs, and teaching materials, training 160 regional change leaders, and implementing a cascading training program for approximately 5,000 teachers and other stakeholders. The project also involves the development and dissemination of innovative educational materials on democratic competencies, critical thinking, countering disinformation, and social engagement. Key elements will include study visits and exchange of experiences with Norwegian partners, research and evaluation activities, and extensive information and promotional activities. The project will involve representatives from public administration, schools, preschools, NGOs, teachers, and the Norwegian partner – the European Wergeland Centre.

The project aims to achieve sustainable results at both the systemic and local levels. The most important outcome will be an increase in the capacity of the Polish education system to develop civic competences in children and youth. Direct beneficiaries will include teachers, school and preschool principals, trainers, non-governmental organizations, and public administration representatives, while indirect benefits will be provided to students and local communities. Project indicators include the training of 5,000 teachers and other stakeholders, the development of 160 regional change leaders, and the creation of a national team of 20 experts. Approximately 200 schools and preschools will implement solutions that foster a democratic and inclusive educational environment. Four training modules in civic education, aligned with the core curriculum, will be developed. Within each module, teachers will receive a set of educational materials to use during classes and cross-curricular activities. The project also aims to develop cross-sector partnerships, increase the participation of non-governmental organizations and public administration in joint activities, prepare and disseminate educational materials, implement international experience-sharing activities, and increase school communities' resilience to disinformation, hate speech, and social polarization.