Words, beautiful words! If i’m not born as a citizen, I’ll never become a citizen. I’ve tried them all, those education things: to get a job, to learn how to behave in this (work)place. But at the end I’m still whitout a job. Why al this education?

In school they try to teach us about responsible citizenship by learning us about democracy. They force us to take up responsibilities in volunteer work. I don’t see the point, cause in the school rules there is never any possibility to think independently or act as a grown up. I understand there must be rules in any community where people live together, but how can we become responsible citizens if we just have to swallow their stupid rules? Nobody ever asks us what we, the students, think about it. I used to write for the school magazine, but since they prohibited us to write any negative thing about teachers or the school mentality, I quitted the team.

I’m a student of the school of the arts. At the end of each term, we organise a small moment, where everybody can show his or her talents to the group. Last year, an older guy did a small stand- up- comedian- act about responsibilities. With a good sense of humour he pointed at each of us and asked us how we contributed to a better world. I was shocked and thought a lot about it. Since then, I take up my responsibilities with a more conscious mind. I think the arts are a perfect way to show people what their responsibilities are or can be.

I Tarz’s case I think citizen education failed because aware citizen does not have to be forced to do voluntary work.

For me, as a teacher, it is teaching my students about values and human rights… (and much much more) - for a better future.

TRIX (comment to first comment), these are not only beautiful words! The fact that teachers tried to teach you how to learn or/and how to behave in work place will never guarantee that you have a job. I do not know the situation you are in but ARE YOU ACTIVE IN LOOKING FOR A JOB?

TARZ (comment to second comment) - it is not about forcing any student to be volunteer! Teachers can only show you the value of voluntary work. What you have written, shows that you are probably not fully conscious what CITIZENSHIP really means. Regarding your articles for the school magazine, I wonder what do you meant by ‘negative’ things (?) I believe your words were critical but true. Where they? Only remember that sometimes words you use are important. Words should not ‘hurt’ anyone and they can and should be ‘constructive critic’. I fully agree with you that they should listen to you and ask you about your opinions. Students should not be told as it will not help to teach you citizenship skills / attitude - especially educators should know that

JEE (comment to third comment), I like what you said. That is perfect if people can be taught what an active citizenship is and how to become an active, conscious, responsible citizen in such an INFORMAL WAY - so by fun, art, different actions, activities and so on Sometimes, you may even not realize that you are learning important things.

Citizenship education should start at the very early stage and should be provided - as Sylwia mentioned - not only in a formal way. I think that the most useful is making projects, even very small (e.g. taking care for a school garden or building feeder for birds in winter).