SLEAD Europe – Service-Learning for Democracy in Europe. Supporting Teachers in Applying Democratic Competences Model

SLEAD supports teachers in applying democratic competences models.

Project Number: ΚΑ220-ΒΕ-22-24-89850

Funded by: Erasmus+      Duration:  December 2022- November 2024

Challenge

In recent years, European democratic societies have faced challenges from both internal anti-democratic movements and external threats. Recognizing the importance of civic education, the EU and member states have taken steps to strengthen it through various means. The Council of Europe’s Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) is a notable example.

However, many teachers struggle to apply theoretical concepts effectively in their lessons, creating a gap between theory and practice. Service-Learning (S-L) is a teaching method that combines formal education with civic engagement, allowing students to acquire democratic competences holistically.

S-L has been scientifically proven and politically acknowledged as an effective method that supports personal development, social competences, and curricular knowledge and skills, particularly strengthening democratic competences. While S-L is gaining recognition and implementation in European schools, its potential for structured acquisition of democratic competences in secondary education is still underdeveloped.

Innovation

SLEAD aspires to assist educators in teaching democratic competencies by promoting the incorporation of Service Learning into formal school education.

Action

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Project Partners