Our School, Our Voice: Building Democracy from the Ground Up
Občianske združenie Všetci spolu
Slovakia
"Our School, Our Voice" empowers students to lead the democratic transformation of their school. Pupils identify issues, debate solutions, and vote on a priority. Our NGO provides expert guidance and tools to realize their chosen project. It turns abstract democracy into tangible civic action, teaching students that their collective voice can physically improve their community.
The project is located at the Secondary School "Nová cesta" in Slovakia, which serves students from various social backgrounds. The initiative is divided into three phases: 1. "Democratic Audit": Workshops where secondary students map their school environment and identify technical or aesthetic issues. 2. "Deliberation & Vote": Students debate solutions and hold a formal vote to select one priority project for improvement. 3. "Collaborative Action": Our NGO (Občianske združenie Všetci spolu) provides professional technical supervision and materials. Students from "Nová cesta" work alongside us, applying their practical skills to physically transform the space. This hands-on approach builds a sense of ownership, professional pride, and demonstrates that democratic participation leads to visible, positive results in their community.