From Local Voices to Democratic Learning: Lessons from GET POLITICAL for Civic Education Professionals
GET POLITICAL offers practical insights for educators working on citizenship, participation, and democratic learning.
How can democratic learning become more meaningful and engaging?
This question lies at the heart of the European project GET POLITICAL, which offers young people the opportunity not only to learn about political institutions but also to experience them firsthand. During an international exchange in Belgium, participants from several European countries explored the functioning of local and regional democratic institutions and engaged in discussions with young political representatives.
While GET POLITICAL works directly with young people, the approaches used throughout the project offer valuable inspiration for adult learning professionals, community educators, local authorities, and organisations promoting civic participation. The project highlights how experiential and participatory learning methods can support political literacy and democratic engagement across different learning contexts.
Experiencing Politics Up Close
The Belgian activities began with a visit to the **Flemish Parliament** in Brussels. During a guided tour, participants gained insight into the workings of a regional parliamentary institution and learned more about decision-making processes, elections, and the distribution of powers within Belgium’s political system. Through interactive assignments, educational materials, and the game The Language of the Dome Hall, young people became familiar with political concepts and institutions that often seem abstract but have a direct impact on citizens’ daily lives.
In addition to the parliamentary visit, participants were introduced to youth participation initiatives such as the Flemish Youth Parliament, which encourages young people to take an active role in social and political discussions.
Meeting Young Politicians
One of the most valuable parts of the exchange took place in Zoersel, where participants from Belgium and Spain joined a roundtable discussion with young local councillors. During this meeting, they openly discussed what motivates young people to engage in politics, the challenges faced by young politicians, and the different ways citizens can influence public policy.
The discussion revealed that many young politicians are driven by a desire to address societal challenges and create positive change. At the same time, several important barriers were highlighted. Young people often perceive politics as complex, distant from their daily lives, and difficult to access. In addition, there is sometimes a lack of basic knowledge about elections, political systems, and opportunities for participation.
Participants emphasized that projects such as GET POLITICAL play a crucial role in bridging this gap. By bringing young people directly into contact with policymakers and encouraging them to ask questions, these initiatives strengthen confidence that their voices can genuinely make a difference.
For educators and facilitators, this activity illustrates the value of direct dialogue between citizens and decision-makers. Creating opportunities for participants to engage with elected representatives in an open and accessible environment can strengthen democratic competences, critical reflection, and trust in democratic institutions. Similar approaches can be applied in adult education, community learning, and participatory citizenship programmes.
Democracy in Public Space
During a socio-political city walk in Brussels, participants discovered that politics does not only take place in parliaments or town halls. The *1000 Years of Struggles* tour through the Marolles district illustrated how citizens throughout history have taken action on issues such as housing, urban development, and social justice.
By reflecting on historic protest movements, urban development, and the use of public space, participants were encouraged to consider the relationship between citizens, power, and democracy. The walk complemented the institutional visits and demonstrated that political participation can take many different forms.
Key Lessons Learned
The exchange demonstrated that democratic engagement grows when learning is connected to real-life experiences. For professionals working in adult learning and civic education, GET POLITICAL offers practical examples of how institutional visits, dialogue with policymakers, and experiential learning activities can make concepts such as democracy, citizenship, and participation more tangible and relevant.
At a time when democratic resilience, media literacy, and civic participation are becoming increasingly important, the experiences gained through GET POLITICAL can inspire professionals working in formal, non-formal, and informal learning environments. The project demonstrates how participatory and experiential learning approaches can foster active engagement in society and strengthen democratic awareness among learners of all ages.
About GET POLITICAL
GET POLITICAL is a European cooperation project that develops and promotes approaches to democratic participation, political literacy, and active citizenship. The project’s experiences and methodologies provide valuable inspiration not only for youth work but also for adult learning professionals, community educators, and organisations seeking to promote inclusive and participatory learning processes.