The first research on best practices and needs in the field of volunteering and civic education in primary and secondary schools in the Sisak-Moslavina County was conducted by the Human Rights House Zagreb and the Local Democracy Agency Sisak as part of the project “Platform for the Development of School Volunteering.”
The research was carried out separately with students and teachers in six primary and secondary schools in the County, using the focus group method. The research aimed to:
- Examine the needs, interests, attitudes, and problems of students to obtain results that would serve as a basis for developing content for education on civic activism, social justice, and the inclusion of vulnerable social groups in society; and
- Explore examples of good practices in collaboration between civil society organisations and educational workers, as well as the needs and challenges faced by educational workers conducting or wanting to conduct education on human rights and democratic society in schools in Sisak-Moslavina County.
The research results were used to develop and implement educational programmes for educational workers involved in the Platform for the Development of School Volunteering and to plan school volunteering actions as practical applications of civic education in teaching.
Key Findings of the Research
Teachers involved in the research recognise that students are generally interested in everything related to “real” life, and some emphasise the need for more experiential learning in school.
Primary school students want a school that teaches them about the future and provides better infrastructure. They express a desire for improvements in transportation infrastructure and better transportation to extracurricular activities. They perceive a lack of understanding from adults as an obstacle to being part of change. Secondary school students desire a school that cares about social development, not just education in a narrow sense. Outside school, they want to eliminate differences among people, promote more equality, and reduce discrimination. They emphasise the need for more understanding among people.
Regarding participation, primary school students mention that the opportunity to express themselves and have their voices heard depends on individual teachers. Secondary school students and teachers highlight the role of class mentors in communication and support at school. Criticisms of the work of student councils were also raised.
Volunteering is a concept familiar to all students, defined as humanitarian work and assistance for charitable purposes without compensation. Some perceive volunteering as not always having a humanitarian nature. Students also mention that, besides motivation, volunteering requires the development of knowledge and skills. Volunteering is seen as promoting empathy and caring for others in the community, with an emphasis on the need for volunteer actions directed towards vulnerable groups and individuals, such as the elderly, children, and peers with lower academic performance.
Teachers mention that organising volunteering requires exceptional dedication and a high level of motivation. The main obstacles to successful school volunteering organisations are shift work, a lack of frequent public transportation for students, and a lack of funding for minor costs, such as materials for specific volunteer actions.
Decision-makers are urged to provide greater support in terms of ensuring more frequent transportation, funding for minor costs of volunteer actions, stronger promotion of volunteering, and stronger community integration.
The entire research text can be read HERE.
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The “Platform for the Development of School Volunteering” of the Sisak-Moslavina County is an informal network of schools and civil society organisations, serving as a place for education, exchange, and advocacy towards decision-makers. The purpose of the Platform is to support schools and civil society organisations in the development and sustainable operation of school volunteering clubs as a proven tool for the practical education of children and young people about active citizenship, social justice, and the social inclusion of vulnerable groups.
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The opinions expressed in this text are the sole responsibility of the Local Democracy Agency Sisak.
