Civic education for all students in vocational schools
Civic education plays a key role in preventing radicalization and extremism among young people, particularly within vocational schools that are exposed to strong socio-economic and cultural pressures. This was one of the key conclusions of Gong’s discussion on civic education in vocational schools.
In times marked by growing polarization, the spread of hate speech, disinformation, as well as undermining of democratic institutions, it is necessary to ensure that all students acquire knowledge and skills that empower them as active and responsible citizens.
The state and the education system must not shift the responsibility for civic education only to school principals and teachers. Civic education should be introduced as a mandatory subject in all schools, with support for teachers, secured financial resources for the sustainability of programs, and teaching that is relevant, modern, and adapted to the digital age.
In this context, Gong, together with partner organizations, conducted research on civic education in Romania, Germany, and Croatia.
Participation in local democracy – dialogue between youth and decision-makers
A group of students from several Zagreb high schools visited the City Assembly of the City of Zagreb, where they had a dialogue with the president of the Assembly and its representatives on the role of the local parliament in decision-making processes.
The visit, organized by Gong, offered young people the opportunity to learn about democracy in practice and to deepen their understanding of how citizens can actively participate in the work of the local parliament.
It is also important to organize such meetings between young people and decision-makers outside the framework of election campaigns. In this way, young people have more opportunities to directly engage with key institutions and policies, understand the political process, and be motivated to participate actively in it.