Local communities: The core of European values

Recognising the crucial role of European values in promoting social cohesion, civic educators, practitioners, and experts from Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina convened at the NECE Lab ‘Living European Values in Local Communities’ in Osijek on May 16 and 17. The event highlighted the importance of civic education in cultivating informed and engaged citizens, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering a sense of community. Here are the key insights we gathered from the event:

The importance of acting locally

Acting locally is essential in addressing global challenges because it empowers individuals and it fosters a sense of responsibility, encouraging people to invest in the well-being of their own communities.

What we learned from participants is that, while personal knowledge and skills are essential, real impact is achieved when these are applied in local communities, as these are the settings where meaningful conversations and actions take place. Acting locally isn’t always straightforward, and while a top-down approach may appear simpler, citizens require human-centered solutions that can only be developed by considering local contexts.

We also learned that activism on a European level can sometimes be too “abstract” to citizens and that European values should be embraced in communities closer to the citizens, where they can actually feel the direct impact and change happening. Similarly, the issues of democratic deficit and voter apathy, arising from the perception of the EU as distant and complex institution is also to be dealt with on a local level.

Additionally, by addressing local problems, such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability, communities can create models of success that inspire global initiatives.

Creating a strong network of civic education activists

Civic education is the foundation of democracy, fostering informed, engaged, and responsible citizens. A strong network of activists ensures that civic education reaches diverse communities and adapts to their unique needs and challenges.

Face-to-face meetings are deemed as of greater value by participants, a safe space for discussion, allowing for diverse questions and ideas among individuals who share common values. These meetings foster a sense of community and joint civic mission, leading to greater collective impact. Additionally, a robust network of civic educators can effectively bridge gaps within the civic field.

The digital era brings new challenges as well as solutions, therefore perspectives on how digital tools can foster participation and connect civic educators and broader population were brought to attention. Having up-to-date and accessible information, as well as innovative approaches in promoting European values, are some of the preconditions for attaining active participation of citizens within society.

Fostering active citizenship through intersectional collaboration

What we learned is that fostering active citizenship through intersectional collaboration in civic education is not just a pedagogical approach but a necessity for empowering citizens to be informed, empathetic and engaged. By embracing intersectionality, educators can create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment that prepares students and other civic education participants to contribute positively to their communities. This approach promotes inclusivity and representation, encourages critical thinking, and strengthens community engagement, ultimately paving the way towards resilient and cohesive societies.

Participant’s key messages:

“To have an impact, you do not have to leave your local community, but you do have to leave your comfort zone.”

Tvrtko Pater,
Hermes

“Education is the key to every successful change. I strongly advocate for non-formal and civic education throughout Europe.“

Dijana Pejić,

Genesis Project, Bosnia and Herzegovina

“Some of the fundamental values of democracy are peacemaking, human rights, and the rule of law. If we live these values, I believe that everyone will feel included and will be heard. Sometimes, they will be outvoted – we will be outvoted – but we will always know that others listened, that there was discussion, and it everything was done to reach a consensus. Sometimes, it will be in the majority, sometimes in the minority, but in any case, democracy is worth every effort.”

Mario Bajkuša,

Development and programs director, Forum for Freedom of Education, Zagreb

“Organisations are people. These people are integrating changes. Even the tiniest change matters. It is all about perseverance, it is all about keep on doing it. Change does not happen overnight. Everyone needs to collaborate to be able to achieve some change.”

Helena Habdija,

Youth Bank International

“We all need to involve more citizens and talk to them. It is important that non-governmental organisations go among citizens, speak with them directly and give them the chance to take part in their activities.”

Zvjezdana Schulz Vugrin,

Udruga SMART, Rijeka

“I think it is important that everyone should start from themselves, be responsible for themselves and create a world in which they feel comfortable. Create a better world for the children. It is important to act and start from your own example.”

Mirko Andrić,

Teacher of civic education and geography in elementary school Retfala, Osijek

“Teach children to be human beings, everything else is less important. You have to build your identity and your values, know your own identity and respect others. Only when we know ourselves well, we are able include and understand others, only then we create a society in which every person, no matter who they are, what is their name, colour of their skin, shape of their eyes, will be equally respected and will have an equal opportunity to grow and develop.”

Emina Berbić Kolar,

Dean of Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Osijek

The NECE Lab was made possible with the support of the German Federal Agency for Civic Education.