De Vreedzame School - The Peaceable School

The school is the place where children with all the differences that exist between people meet and learn to interact with each other. School is therefore the ideal training place to learn and practice the value of democracy. To debate, to learn to deal with differences, to accept differences and to resolve the clashes and conflicts that come with each other.

We will have to make a greater pedagogical effort to shape democracy with each new generation. We must teach them how to behave in a democracy society characterized by a high degree of pluralism and an enormous freedom to make your own choices. Nelson Mandela said: Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

The Dutch Peaceable School is a program of democratic citizenship, critical thinking, active participation and social competence. It exists in the Netherlands now for more than twenty years. It is used at 1300 primary schools (having pupils from 4 - 12 age). There is also a version for children from 2 to 4 years. Every few years it was renovated to better adapt with the changing society. The program creates added value and durable effects by offering a targeted, systematic, long-lasting and school-wide education of democratic citizenship. This includes training for teachers, teaching activities in a longitudinal structure throughout all grades, guidance by management, etc. Also, the parents as allies in education are in this involved. For many years we collaborated with the University of Utrecht and in particular with Professor M. de Winter.

The Peaceable School includes training for teachers, teaching activities in a longitudinal structure throughout all grades, guidance by management, etc. And it includes 210 lessons. For 7 grades/classes 30 lessons.

These values are relevant for strengthening the democratic values of Europe and each Member State. 

Training, coaching and mentoring professionals of schools and educational institutions

Organisations and professionals working with children and youth in the age between 2 and 18 years

Universities, Higher schools, non-governmental organisations, educational establishments