Educating for Democracy: Shaping Tomorrow’s Citizens

On September 15, the world pauses for the International Day of Democracy. At first glance, the word democracy may bring to mind parliaments, debates, and formal institutions. But at its core, democracy is the practice of listening, sharing, and shaping the future together. In this way, it belongs not only to the work of governments but to classrooms, where the foundations of participation and voice are quietly built every day. 

Education is how young people first experience what it means to have a say. A classroom discussion in which different perspectives are valued, a group project through which responsibilities are shared, or an exchange where students learn from peers across cultures, all of these moments echo the essence of democracy. They teach that decisions gain strength when they are informed by many voices, and that respect grows not from agreement but from understanding.

IVECA’s mission is rooted in giving students space to think critically, express themselves, and engage with others beyond borders. These experiences nurture more than academic skills; they cultivate values of openness, empathy, and responsibility that form the heartbeat of democratic life.

Marking this day is not just about celebrating a political system but more significantly about recognizing the role education plays in sustaining it. When young people are encouraged to listen carefully, think critically, and collaborate thoughtfully, they are already practicing democracy in its truest form.

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