Young people explored democracy in action through institutions, local participation and a green walking tour.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of the Get Political project, MIITR implemented the National Political Institutions Peddy Paper in Slovenia, an educational activity designed to bring political literacy closer to young people through direct experience, non-formal learning and active participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main purpose of the activity was to help young people better understand how democratic institutions, local government, youth participation and public decision-making work in practice. The programme connected theoretical knowledge with real-life experiences and showed participants that politics is not something distant, but something closely connected to local communities, public spaces, youth opportunities and everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The activity included four main parts: the Get Political Training Course, the Ljubljana Green Walking Tour, a visit to the National Assembly of Slovenia, and a visit to the Municipality of Maribor and Portal Mladi Maribor. Each part of the programme offered participants a different perspective on democracy, political participation and the role of young people in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The introductory part was the Get Political Training Course, where participants explored key topics from the Get Political 101 Guide. They discussed democracy, political systems, elections, representation, public institutions, civic responsibility and opportunities for youth participation. This part created a common basis for the following activities and helped participants better understand the institutions and processes they later explored in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An important part of the programme was the visit to the National Assembly of Slovenia. Participants learned more about the role of the national parliament, the legislative process and the importance of democratic representation. By visiting the institution directly, they were able to connect political concepts, which can often seem abstract, with a real space of democratic decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The programme also included a visit to the Municipality of Maribor and Portal Mladi Maribor. At the Municipality of Maribor, participants learned about the role of local government, the work of the Office for Culture and Youth, and how public policies are shaped, adopted and implemented at the local level. The visit was followed by a presentation of Portal Mladi Maribor, where participants explored youth support opportunities, local youth work, youth information and ways in which young people can become more actively involved in their community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another part of the activity was the Ljubljana Green Walking Tour. Through this sociopolitical tour, participants reflected on the connection between public space, sustainability, urban life and democratic decision-making. The tour helped them understand that politics is not only connected to elections and institutions, but also to the way cities develop, how shared spaces are used and how public decisions affect the environment and everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Political Peddy Paper methodology encouraged young people to learn actively. Instead of only receiving information, participants were invited to observe, ask questions, discuss, reflect and connect new knowledge with their own experiences. This approach made political education more accessible, understandable and connected to real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The methodology is also relevant to adult education, as it can be adapted for adult learners participating in civic education, community learning, inclusion, active ageing or social participation programmes. Through institutional visits, guided questions and group reflection, adult learners can connect their life and professional experiences with the functioning of public institutions and opportunities for active participation in their local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three good practices are particularly transferable to adult educators: preparing participants before the visit, encouraging active exploration at the location and facilitating structured reflection after the activity. This process can strengthen critical thinking, dialogue, civic literacy, understanding of public institutions and confidence in expressing opinions or proposals. The complexity of the questions, the pace of the activity and the choice of institutions can be adapted to the participants\u2019 prior knowledge, interests, language abilities and accessibility needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many young people, political topics can seem complicated, distant or reserved for experts. Activities such as the National Political Institutions Peddy Paper help change this perception. They show that politics is also about local communities, public services, opportunities for young people, sustainability, social inclusion and everyday decisions that shape our surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Slovenian implementation confirmed the value of experiential and non-formal education in strengthening political literacy. When young people have the opportunity to visit institutions, meet relevant actors and reflect on social issues in real environments, they are more likely to understand their role as active citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through the activity, participants gained new knowledge about democratic institutions, local youth participation, sustainability and the connection between political decisions and everyday life. The activity also encouraged critical thinking, dialogue and a stronger sense of civic responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through activities like this, the Get Political project supports young people in becoming more informed, confident and active members of democratic society. The Political Peddy Paper methodology can also serve as a useful tool for youth workers, educators, civil society organisations and public institutions that want to make political education more practical, inclusive and engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Author:<\/strong> Ana Vilar holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Economics and is currently completing her master\u2019s studies at the University of Maribor. She has also completed pedagogical and andragogical training, enabling her to contribute to both formal and non-formal education. Ana has participated in interdisciplinary projects related to sustainability and youth empowerment and has gained experience as a student tutor and in project administration. She currently works as a Project Manager at the International Institute for the Implementation of Sustainable Development (MIITR), where she contributes to EU-funded projects focused on sustainability, youth engagement and accessible education. MIITR is a partner in the Get Political project. More information about the project is available at <\/strong>www.getpolitical-project.eu\/<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Young people explored democracy in action through institutions, local participation and a green walking tour. 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