Learning for democracy: participation in the youth school «Learn4Dem»

From April 23 to 26, 2026, Anastasiia Fedorchenko, Head of the Student Council of the Faculty of Psychological-Pedagogical Education and Arts at BSPU, took part in the youth school «Learn4Dem: Learning for Democracy». The initiative, held at the Edelweiss camp in the Carpathians, aimed to develop civic competencies among young people, promote democratic values, and design local educational initiatives.

The programme included an intensive educational block featuring interactive lectures on the role of citizen voice in democratic processes, an analysis of the influence of local media on public opinion, and communication workshops. Particular attention was given to the practical component: participants took part in a youth initiative design workshop (covering the Learn, Teach, and Support for Democracy tracks), as well as a simulation of the electoral process and inclusivity training.

The school also incorporated active team-building and wellbeing activities: morning warm-ups «Arriva»; pottery and soap-making classes; shooting range practice; an extreme park challenge; and a mountain hike.

Upon completing the programme, Anastasiia successfully presented her developed youth initiative and received a certificate of participation. The experience gained will serve as a practical foundation for advancing student self-governance at the faculty – in particular, for introducing new forms of engagement with students and promoting the values of democratic participation within the university community.

Based on materials from the Faculty of Psychological-Pedagogical Education and Arts