Helping rather than watching: how schoolchildren learn democracy

A new educational initiative aimed at teaching children about democracy has gained momentum across Austria, particularly through the "Kommunale Bildung" project. This program, launched in 2021 by the Austrian Association of Municipalities and the Ministry of Education, seeks to engage students in understanding how local governance functions and how they can actively participate in their communities. The initiative takes place during an annual week-long campaign held shortly before the end of the school year, offering students hands-on learning experiences about democratic processes and civic responsibility.

The core objective of this project is to demonstrate that democracy begins at home—in their own municipalities—and that it requires active participation rather than passive observation. To facilitate this learning process, the program uses a children's book titled "Meine Gemeinde - mein Zuhause," which features characters such as a cat named Lisi and a dog named Franz. These characters explain the essential roles within a municipality, ranging from road maintenance crews to schools that must be built and maintained by the community. Through these stories, children gain insight into the responsibilities of local officials and the importance of communal involvement in decision-making.

This year’s edition of the "Kommunale Bildung" campaign took place between May 18 and 22, involving more than 17,755 students nationwide. The initiative has seen significant growth since its inception, with over 17,000 copies of the book ordered by municipalities and schools throughout the entire year of 2025. The success of the program has been highlighted by several key figures, including Mayor Stefan Loidl of Alland, Director Pia Marisa Wiegele of the primary school, President of the Austrian Association of Municipalities Johannes Pressl, Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, Minister of Education Christoph Wiederkehr, and Educational Director Karl Fritthum.

Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister emphasized that in Lower Austria, children are given early opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the design of playgrounds and free spaces at schools. She noted that child participation processes have become a standard part of planning efforts. Alongside Pressl and Wiederkehr, she presented the results of the current campaign at a primary school in Alland, underscoring the positive impact of the initiative on young learners.

According to Minister Wiederkehr, research indicates that while students' trust in democracy appears to be declining, there is simultaneously growing interest in becoming involved in political matters. He described this situation as paradoxical but expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that it plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge. The program encourages students to understand the mechanisms of democracy and recognize their potential to influence decisions, whether through voting or other forms of engagement.

The "Kommunale Bildung" initiative is open to all primary schools in Austria, and the necessary materials can be obtained either by ordering them from the Austrian Association of Municipalities or downloading them online. Detailed information regarding the campaign is available through the official website of the Austrian Association of Municipalities under the heading "Aktionswoche Kommunale Bildung." This accessibility ensures that the program remains inclusive and widely available to educators and students alike.

As the initiative continues to expand, it is anticipated that future campaigns will build upon the successes observed thus far. With increasing emphasis placed on fostering civic awareness among younger generations, the program aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for democratic values and encourage active participation in community affairs. By integrating practical examples and interactive learning methods, the "Kommunale Bildung" project hopes to instill a lasting sense of responsibility and engagement in students, preparing them to be informed and active participants in the democratic process.