Education for Democratic Intercultural Citizenship+

Europe and its participating countries need a strong democracy, an inclusive society, and active citizens. Intercultural and democratic competences are crucial for the future of Europe, its countries and its citizens. Education can play a central role in developing the necesary knowledge, skills and attitudes among young people. Universities have a double role in this: they have to educate academics who can and want to contribute to such a society and universities educate teachers and other educational professionals who will work in schools and other educational institutions on empowering young people for active citizenship participation.

The pedagogical role of teachers in contributing to a more inclusive and democratic world is very important in this period of European history. Strengthening the international cooperation of all parts of Europe is very important to broaden the horizon of students, teachers, and academic researchers. A more inclusive and democratic society is maybe even more relevant for the future of Europe than economic growth. Education, and in particular teachers, can contribute to this moral enterprise.

The proposed strategic partnership want to support this work in different ways; by developing a joint curriculum and the professional development of academic staff. The project has a direct influence on students. Strategic work will be done in the own universities, in the cooperation between our universities, and partners in civil society, and in transferring the outcomes of this project to other universities and to society. The project will result in an increase of the social responsibility of universities and other institutes for higher education. It will contribute to active and engaged citizenship in Europe.