Welcome to EUDEC
The European Democratic Education Community (EUDEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote and support Democratic Education throughout Europe.
For almost two decades, EUDEC has been advocating for an education that reflects the core values of democracy and equality, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and respected.
What is EUDEC?
EUDEC is a network made up of individuals, schools, and institutions with extensive experience or interest in democratic education. The organization serves as an advisory body and a collaborative network for European schools and educational groups that practice or want to implement democratic principles in their learning environments. By fostering connections and sharing resources, EUDEC works to expand the awareness and practice of democratic education across, and beyond the continent.
Why is Democratic Education Important?
Democratic education emphasizes student involvement, encouraging young learners to participate in decisions that affect their education and school community. This approach helps build critical thinking, responsibility, and active citizenship—qualities that are essential for individuals to contribute meaningfully to democratic societies. Although modern schooling has seen some positive changes, the conventional arrangement of schools (segregation by age, focus on standardised curricula and assessment, and young people’s exclusion from decision-making) still often overlook students’ personal interests and opinions, limiting their potential for engagement and growth. EUDEC aims to bridge these gaps by promoting a model where democracy is not only taught but actively practiced.
How Does EUDEC Support Democratic Education?
EUDEC uses its members’ shared expertise to support schools, start-ups, educators, parents, and students through:
- Outreach programs for teacher training institutes to help future educators understand and apply democratic principles
- Online resources explaining the theory and practice of democratic education
- Publications that share best practices and innovative approaches
- Conferences, meetings, and seminars to share knowledge and inspire new ideas
- School partnerships and exchanges that encourage collaboration and mutual learning
- Opportunities for school visits to see democratic education in action
Why Support Democratic Education?
Supporting democratic education is essential for creating educational environments that embody and reinforce the values of democracy. EUDEC advocates for legislative changes to ensure that founding and attending democratic schools is a recognized right. By doing so, it helps drive educational reform that empowers students and respects their autonomy. This mission is crucial for building communities where equality, participation, and shared responsibility are not just ideals but daily practices.
For more information on promoting an educational model that aligns with democratic principles, helping students become active, thoughtful, and engaged members of their communities, visit EUDEC’s website, www.eudec.org.