Democrats are Needed for Democracy
The Zaječar Initiative will implement the project "Democrats are Needed for Democracy" over the next year, with the primary goal of contributing to the quality of civic education for young people in Serbia through the improvement of subjects and content within formal education, as well as through creating a supportive framework for the development and implementation of various informal education programs.
This project aims to combat the growing civic apathy and radicalism among youth (primarily students aged 12-19) by bringing together key stakeholders and leading a consultative process to improve civic education. The project seeks to connect the most important actors in the field of civic education through a series of activities, enhance their capacities and cooperation, inform the public, and reflect on and define concrete recommendations for a higher quality and more effective civic education for young people in the Republic of Serbia.
Various studies conducted in Serbia in recent years show alarming trends in the attitudes of young people. They lack trust in institutions, feel neglected, are uninterested in social events, and do not believe they can influence political processes and decisions. There is also an observable rise in the radicalization of their views, along with increasingly authoritarian tendencies. The causes can largely be found in inadequate civic education. Young people in Serbia graduate from high school without basic information about important topics related to democratic society and are completely unprepared to take an active role in democratic processes, which is expected of them.
Activities to be carried out during the project include: consultative meetings in several major cities in Serbia, a final conference at which a Policy Brief document with recommendations for improving civic education will be presented, and advocacy training for organizations active in the field of civic education. The project will also be accompanied by a media campaign through digital channels, as well as traditional media. There are plans to film and broadcast a documentary addressing the current state of civic education in schools in Serbia, the impact on generations of young people, and examples of good practices from European countries and around the world. A total of €51,300 has been allocated for the implementation of these activities.
The Zaječar Initiative supports citizens to harness the strength and resources in their communities to shape them according to their own needs. By focusing on community development, youth engagement, and civic education, the Zaječar Initiative has made a significant contribution not only in eastern Serbia but also at the national level. By demonstrating developed capacities to provide financial support, the Zaječar Initiative has supported over 300 projects from local organizations. Through recognized programs such as “Youth in Motion” and “School Elections,” the Zaječar Initiative has emerged as a leader in civic education for young people, utilizing innovative approaches.
"Democrats are Needed for Democracy" is implemented with the support of the regional project SMART Balkan – Civil Society for a Connected Western Balkans, which is being implemented by the Center for the Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD), the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), and the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM), and is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.
