Democratic education:
A Culture of Dialogue

In democratic schools, dialogue holds a central place. Students and facilitators engage in open conversations, actively listening to one another, with everyone having an equal voice. Giving children a voice is the precondition for authentic dialogue, ensuring that their needs and ideas are fully considered. In practice, many democratic schools apply a nonviolent communication model.

Through this process, both children and adults learn to express themselves and come to understand that their inner experiences matter. They also develop the ability to listen deeply to others, taking into account different perspectives and needs.

A culture of real dialogue in education, therefore, means treating children as equals and anchoring all educational practices in the full respect of their self-determination and their rights.

This culture of dialogue nurtures connection in children’s hearts and fosters a lifelong commitment to engaging in dialogue, both in their personal lives and in their interactions with the world around them. As such, the dialogue promoted by democratic education has the potential to ripple outward, contributing to a more just and peaceful world.

We believe that reflecting on the culture of dialogue could centre on the following key aspects.